Is anyone else feeling like I feel…that we are living in the Twilight Zone? The Twilight Zone first aired in 1959 and was shot in black and white. The eerie music set you on edge before even a word was spoken. Then we were warned we were entering the 5th dimension and somewhere between light and darkness, there was a place where the imaginative was revealed and things might not be as they seemed.
Sounds like today for me. I have only read about plagues, but never been in one. Over 10½ confirmed cases with 517,337 deaths worldwide. Some people in strict lockdown mode hiding under the covers with others walking around claiming it is all a hoax. I guess if in this world of ours there are actually people who believe the earth is flat and not a sphere then perhaps there is a sucker born every minute.
However, when you add the stress of the pandemic, to the effect we are seeing on our economy and unemployment, the political battles that are more intense than I have ever witnessed it seems like the real Twilight Zone is upon us. Which may be why there is such high anxiety in our world right now.
So, the real question is how should we deal with it in a biblical way? There are plenty of easy fixes that offer a temporary reprieve from the stress. Alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, and binge-watching tv offer temporary escapes. But they all are only pushing out in front of us the issues which will have to be dealt with eventually.
There are a number of biblical ideas that can help in any troubled times. They are equally applicable to those with or without addictions. They are basic truths taught to us by Jesus and mentioned by other writers in the Bible. Here’s one thing Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-27;
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
There is a clear and simple solution to anxiety in this passage. The solution is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Busy yourself with actions that are making a positive impact on our world in ways that glorify God. Be the Good Samaritan. Wash one another’s feet. Welcome the aliens and strangers. Show kindness to those who are less fortunate than you.
Instead…what do we see people doing? Hoarding toilet paper??? I am sorry but to me, that just seems ridiculous. With all this craziness going on and the first action, some people think of is wiping their butt? What could be any more self-centered than that? Oh, my Goodness…the world is going to end so I better get some more TP. Ridiculousness at its finest.
When times are tough the stage is set for the light to shine. Acts of kindness are easier to do because so many are suffering and afraid. A kind word or compassionate act of putting the needs of others ahead of your own gives glory to God. Instead of joining in on the verbal abuse we see happening in our streets a simple question can make all the difference;
Can I Help You?
Don’t ask it if you don’t mean it or if you do not intend to do what they ask you for. Don’t just give the impression that you care but go ahead and take the actions to help them even without asking if you can.
Times like the ones we are in cause people to go into survival mode. They want to hunker down, hideout, hoard up and to hell with everyone else. Instead, why not try kneeling down, helping out, handing off and being like Jesus. Because I know this is biblical…if you hoard you will never have enough. If you help others you will never lack what you need.
Which reminds me of something else Jesus said;
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Those who sow sparingly will read sparingly. Stingy people never have enough. Those focused on Giving will find God giving them more because you have proven that you will give it to others.
Paul writes this in 2 Corinthians 9:
“God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Lastly, this is a time to pray prayers of thanksgiving and focus on rejoicing in the Lord.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We may feel like we are in the Twilight Zone and things are getting darker. What better time than to let our little lights shine?