Way of Wisdom in a Pandemic: Proverbs 3

Pandemic living in response to stay at home orders from the Governor is requiring all of us to adapt our patterns and routines. The first couple of days may have seemed like a mini-vacation for some, but as the days stretch into weeks, and the reality of it all sets in, some of us are becoming increasingly anxious and unsettled.

​A favorite question of mine these days is, “How you holding up?” And, a follow up to it, “What are you doing to take your mind of the virus?” My response? "I'm leaning on Jesus!" I'm meditating on Scripture.
 
Here’s something I’ve learned over more than three decades of walking with Jesus. He’s trustworthy! No matter how fast my mind races, or how far I try to run ahead, he’s not in a hurry, anxious, or surprised by what’s going on around me. If I manage to take a beat and a deep breath, I can hear him reassuring me, “I’m right here. You don’t have to worry. You don’t have to fix this.” You aren’t in control. I AM!”  And the Scriptures? They are a constant source of comfort and a reliable source of wisdom.
 
Mental health professionals and physicians alike have some pretty basic instructions on how to remain healthy. You’ve likely heard them more times than you can count in the last few days. These are the go to coping strategies that promote well-being:

• Wash your hands and practice social distancing, stay at home, quarantine if you’re sick.
• Watch your diet; eat healthy; avoid excess sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
• Get enough sleep; rest when you need to; take frequent breaks
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day (you can do this in ten minute walks three times a day if you like)
• Stay connected to our support system (phone, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom etc.)

 
There’s no denying this is wise counsel. It’s been cultivated and curated over millennia of observation, and decades of rigorous scientific research. It is peer reviewed and affirmed by the consensus of practitioners. In other words, it isn’t something we just come to on our own.

Authentic wisdom is like that! As intuitive as some of us may be, we can’t always trust our own or simply follow the inclinations of our heart.  Instead, we have to trust something or someone beyond ourselves, and do so wholeheartedly.
 
The following passage has been foundational to my well-being since I was a teenager. I sometimes differ with the Lord about what constitutes a straight path, but have resolved that he gets the final say. I want to encourage you to spend time reflecting on these words and applying them to your current circumstances.
 
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. — Proverbs  3:5-6 NRSV
 
Trust is a funny thing. It isn’t simply earned or maintained. It has to be extended over and over and cultivated in the midst of uncomfortable and uncertain situations.  I think our current circumstances qualify! Like you, I’m learning to trust all over again on a moment by moment basis.
 
What is the hardest part of the stay at home order for you?
 
Where or with what are you having the most trouble trusting the Lord?
 
How has God proven his trustworthiness to you in the past?
 
What action will you take today to extend and deepen your trust?
 

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