They saw me coming, and went the other way…

It was a beautiful spring night for a walk. The color was vibrant, the sun gently setting and a nice breeze. For a few minutes, life felt normal. Walking in my neighborhood is a regular way to unwind from my day at work. Often, I see neighbors, say hello or even stop for a few moments of conversation. This walk was different.

First, I saw a couple walking their dog in my direction. When they saw me, they immediately crossed the street. Next, there was a woman walking alone who also crossed the street so not to pass me side by side. For the next hour, person after person made sure to distance themselves by crossing the street or taking a turn in a different direction. This didn’t feel good.

At the grocery, the man waited at the end of the aisle until I was gone. The mask we both wore felt as though we were not safe to approach one another. No words were spoken, but the blank look on his face sent conflicting messages of both concern and expectation I would keep a distance. I have taken for granted the warmth of a smile or a simple hello. Is the gentle wave from a distance our new social protocol? This doesn't feel good or right.

Though the people who turned away from me during the beautiful evening walk or at the grocery store meant no harm, it felt so cold. I felt a bit unwanted. These encounters of intentional distance might even trigger feelings of abandonment, rejection, or not being valued. Many of us have felt that way before social distancing and masks were a way of life.

When life doesn’t feel good, or seems wrong, it is easy to become discouraged and feel alone. We often have to challenge our thoughts to begin to feel better. Today, we have an overload of information, and it is hard to know what to trust. When I turn to scripture, I am confident it is true, relevant, helpful and worthy of my trust.

God says in Proverbs 8:6

“Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.”

When I turn to scripture, God renews my mind and helps me to discern His will, (Romans 12:2) though I am still limited in fully understanding why life is the way it is.

Let's consider the scripture as a guide to face these new protocols that are meant to protect, but feel like they inhibit freedom or what we value and need.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1

The appointed leaders in this global crisis have instructed us to distance and wear masks for the sake of ourselves and others. One friend told me "I hate to be told what to do." I appreciated his honesty. It is not always easy to obey authority or give up some of our freedom, especially if we have a different view on the situation.

Jesus also said “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 Jesus understands sacrifice can be difficult.

God's faithfulness and assurance to His people is identified in scripture by His presence and promises.

God said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

God’s faithfulness is for His glory and pleasure.

“For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people,

because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.” 1 Samuel 12:22

Jesus said “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

But what if our lifestyle before this pandemic reveals we have not prioritized God? God will NOT turn the other way when we approach Him EVEN IF we have not considered Him in the past.

The bible teaches God is faithful to respond when we seek Him even after big mistakes, living for ourselves or trying to live well- but not thinking of Him. We can reach out to Him even in the midst of consequences of our messy choices or the actions of others that are impacting our life. This is how God spoke to His people who were living in exile after times of disregarding Him (look for His heart):

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.” Deuteronomy 4:29-31

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:11-14

Jesus said “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 He opens the door when we knock. What we ask for and receive is for another day of pondering. Just know, He is ready and at the door.

God doesn’t turn the other way when we sincerely approach Him. No matter what we have done or not done in the past, He loves us and wants to walk closely together. God will lead us beside quiet waters and restore our souls (Psalm 23). His grace, or unearned favor, is sufficient for what we face today (2 Corinthians 12:9) and His ears are attentive to our cry (Psalm 34:15).

I hope you will consider God, the source of Truth and Hope in today's uncertainty. He is walking toward us with joy and no desire to turn the other way. Let's take off our masks, talk with Him and enjoy being close. Jesus died and rose again so we could and would.

You matter,

Mary Beth

April 27, 2020