I find myself surfing social media often. I don’t really know what I’m looking for, maybe some remnant of human interaction, a distraction from my little sillies (ages 1, 4, and niece 7), or even entertainment. Truly I’ve been fighting irritation with our current situation along with fear and worry about what the next weeks and even year will hold for all of us. (Just because I’m a children’s pastor doesn’t mean I’m never on the struggle bus!)

Truly, my sole piece of peace has been found in His presence. It has been tough getting alone time with God, but I can be doing a better job of turning my eyes toward Him instead of entertainment. We need to be distracted by Him, His Word, instead of social media and the TV now more than ever.

On the subject of turning our eyes toward Him, we need to turn in another important area. My pastor reminded me to do my part of 2 Chronicles 7:14 of turning from my wicked ways and seeking His face (not his hand). Wicked seems to be a strong English word—surely we’re not wicked, right? Interestingly, one definition of wicked ways in Hebrew is hurtful habits. I’m not going to lie to you. I am a spicy girl, and I have a hard time keeping my tone on the nice side, especially with my four-year-old and occasionally with my hubs. I really do think God cares about the bad habits that hurt ourselves and hurt others.

As the Lord is showing you and me our “wicked ways,” consider James 5:16, which says to confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. We don’t like to talk about our sins and struggles, but the Lord says when we do, we can pray for one another, which brings healing. Furthermore, the verse says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. We need this promise working in our lives.

Let’s make an effort during this time off to really seek the Lord and ask for His help turning our eyes to Him and turning from hurtful behavior. Spend time confessing your sins and struggles with each other and pray for one another. Make that prayer closet space you’ve been meaning to make but haven’t had the time to yet. Spend time in worship, not asking God for anything. Spend time reading His Word. Time with Him is a breath of fresh air in a suffocated, isolated environment.

Be encouraged. God loves us. He is for us, and He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

I love y’all, and I’m praying you find Him in all of this crazy.

Love and hugs,

Cristy