I wonder how many of you, like me, when we were kids would play with matchbox cars… or even today when we are playing with little children… we make that familiar sound… ZOOM-ZOOM!
Well, as most of you know ZOOM has a whole new meaning in today’s world. It is one of many cloud-based video conferencing tool that can bring people together as you virtually meet online. This can be used to have virtual meetings with a team of co-workers (like we do as a Royal Redeemer staff) or for friends and family. This can be very comforting to those families who are isolated from each other due to the coronavirus.
So, you have your family on the screen, what do you talk about? First of all, I would suggest you do not bring up politics! You cannot talk sports because there aren’t any to talk about. I might suggest that you have each person give a word (or small phrase) for the day. A word that describes how they are feeling. My family had words like grateful, anxious, long, hungry, and tired. You may hear words like:
Lonely, Lost, Afraid, Joyful, Peaceful, Rested, Bored, Hopeful
These group conversations can be a great way to share, interact, and respond to one another, and to be part of a bigger group. Ever wonder what it would be like if God were part of your Zoom chat group…how He would respond to your word for the day? The Bible has many verses from God to you…for whatever your word for the day is. Perhaps He would say things like:
- Lonely…(Deuteronomy 31:6) 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.”
- Lost…(Luke 19:10) For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.
- Afraid…(Deuteronomy 31:8) “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
- Joyful…(Psalm 94:19) When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
- Peaceful…(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- Rested…(Hebrews 4:9-10) There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
- Bored…(Colossians 3:23) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
- Hopeful…(Jeremiah 29:11) 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.
So…continue to stay connected with family and friends any way you can…find peace in God’s word.
I would suggest that you “ZOOM” with God everyday…throughout the day. You will find that it’s easier than zooming with friends online (and no time limit!) …. and requires less equipment than the family / work Zoom. All you need to do is to find a quiet spot (may be hard if you are in a home with 5-6 people) and talk to God through prayer…and then listen to His whispers in your ears. You can also find His Love, Peace, Joy, direction and strength in His words to you in the Bible. Tell Him your word for the day and then know that His Word will address all of your feelings. If your word for the day is positive then thank Him for the many blessings, He has showered upon you…If you word for the day is a downer then look to Him for strength, direction, and hope.
This coronavirus world that we live in can make you feel lonely, isolated, fearful. Talk to God about those feelings. Seek His will, ask Him to guide you to take action when you can control situations and make a difference… and to be patience in situations out of your control…and wisdom to know the difference.
Trust in the Lord for HE is good!
Pastor Dave
My next devotion will be Monday. The goal is for you to worship online at royred.org over the weekend. Why not participate in both contemporary and traditional (maybe one Saturday night and one Sunday)?
Royred.org has many other links to devotions, bible study, children’s ministry, giving options, Pastor John’s message, and much more! You will also find any of my devotions that you may have missed.