Psalm 38: 9 O Lord, all my longing is known to you; my sighing is not hidden from you. 10 My heart throbs, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me… 15 But it is for you, O LORD, that I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.

Well, we got another surprise last night. Dallas county issued a “shelter in place” order starting at midnight. And while I anticipated this happening, it just occurred to me last night that some of the plans we’ve made at my church (Rejoice Lutheran, Coppell TX) are now obsolete. We will no longer be able to gather in small numbers to lead the ministries of the church.

The goal posts got moved. Again.

V.9 speaks to me this morning. I’m pretty good at change, but this season of change is rapid and relentless, putting pressure on me and my staff/leaders. This is on top of the pressure we’re experiencing within our own families. We are spending lots of time together at home in ways we’re not used to. I love my family but this is not easy. Two of our young adult children have lost their jobs. Those of us who remain employed may be wondering if we are next. The run on grocery items continues unabated. Fear and anxiety are taking root all over. The list of challenges is long and let’s face it…

It’s a lot to handle all at once.

Today is my weekly Sabbath, which means I’m disconnecting from work and leaning into my relationship with the Lord via rest, reading scripture, praying. Last week I did a poor job of doing so. My brain wouldn’t stop processing what we needed to do next at my church so I didn’t really rest. By Monday evening I prayed the Lord would give me grace to do Sabbath differently this week. That is my prayer for today.

Lord we are on something of a roller coaster right now. We’re all under pressure and can easily get caught up in anxiety. Give us grace to turn to you, dear God. You are the provider we need. You are the One who can bear the weight of responsibility so many of us carry. As the psalmist writes in v.15, we wait upon you dear Lord to lead the way. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.