March 17

Day 3 (or 6) of self-quarantine and the new social-distancing. No one is sure what is proper, in bounds or appropriate. Compliance is now a moving target. Confusing times, for sure. Pastors everywhere, including me, are trying to figure out how best to lead our churches.

Some of us may be tempted to panic, driven by fear, especially when the new road rules seem to change every day. Others of us may be tempted toward self-assurance. To my shame, this is the polarity to which I am sinfully predisposed.

"May infinite wisdom cure us of the madness of self confidence." Charles Spurgeon prayed this over 100 years ago. This needs to be my Tuesday prayer also.

All of us are dealing with the fear of losing control, autonomy, and what we take for granted as our rights and freedoms and rhythms of life.

For each of us, our perspective is what determines our outlook, our chosen prognosis. Our perspective is the fruit of what we regard as our ultimate truth source.

As Christ-followers, what do we claim to be true? 1) That our God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. We can rest in the One who does not change...even if our society as we know it is changing daily.

"Of old you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you." (Psalm 102:25-28)

2) Even in the midst of what seems to be contrary evidence, our God is merciful, and loves us deeply.

"He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:10-13)

Don't miss the point in this last passage. While this may be hard to digest, these promises are not for everyone. The qualifier is that these assurances are reserved for "those who fear him."

Jesus, himself, said (in Matthew 10:28) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell." Strong words for sure. But what's the takeaway?

I can sit here worried about my own health, the health of those I love, or even the stability of Radiant Juneau while we're physically separated from each other. Perhaps understandable, but short-sighted. Or, I can act cavalier and pretend I'm in control.

Or, I can ask the Holy Spirit to draw me in a greater respect, awe, regard and prayerful dependence to the One who never takes a break from being King and Lord and in control; the One who determines my soul.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau