How shall I describe 2020? “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” (William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18)

 

Hardly!

 

What words come to mind as you reflect on life since March? So many loaded words and phrases…

• Surreal

• Bizarre

• Chaotic

• Weary

• Relentless

• Struggle

• Conflict

• Upheaval

• Whack-a-mole (Thanks, Becky D)

• Should-have-beens (Thanks, Becky L)

• Jackhammer of uncertainty (Brian Morykon)

• Burning dumpster

• Exhaustion

• Endless debates

• Roller coaster (as a noun and verb)

• Toxicity

• Conspiracy

• Political venom

• Murder hornets (Did I miss those or did we dodge that one bullet?)

 

And the terms we’re all sick of hearing…

• Unprecedented

• Lock-down

• Social distance

• Masks

 

My favorite word is British slang (originally from the TV show “The Thick of It”, well known for other words that I cannot print here): omnishambles, “a term for a situation of total disorder.” Isn’t omnishambles a great descriptor?

 

Many people would vote for Allstate’s ever-present advertising character Mayhem for “Person of the Year”. In general, this is a year that has not sparked joy for most of us.

 

How would you describe your 2020? As I talk to people, responses range from “I’m fine. My life hasn’t changed much.” to “Torture. This is the worst year of my life”. It’s been a year with a lot of grief. Everyone has lost something, from vacations, weddings, family gatherings to relationships and hugs to income, jobs, businesses, health, and loved ones.

 

We have unprecedented opportunities in 2020 to live like the body of Christ. Are we doing it? We have endless open doors to use our fish and loaves to relieve suffering. We have unique windows to witness to the love, sovereignty, and transformation of Jesus. Get creative. Use what you have to lift one another up. A dear woman said today, “This is a time for acts of kindness, for generosity, for doing what each of us can to soften the blows that just keep coming. Send a letter or a text, leave apples on a doorstep, do whatever small & large things you can do to make this mad season feel a little softer.”

 

I find I must live out a “gap plan” to maintain my priorities, my sanity (such as it is), and my walk with God. If we are not intentional about our spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and relational health, 2020 will crush us. What is your plan for soul care? What are the priorities you need in this challenging time? What is your diet of spiritual feeding? For example, the non-negotiable elements I need right now:

1. Sleep/Rest/sabbath

2. Beauty/creativity/creation/four-legged therapy (including photography as a spiritual exercise for me and a ministry to others)

3. Laughter/joy/play

4. Tears (Sunday is Crying Day with mini-meltdowns as needed through the week)

5. Exercise/Swimming/Walking/Moving your body

6. Unhurried time with God (plus taking advantage of the incredible content through sermons, books, podcasts, websites, apps, webinars, classes, online retreats, etc. available right now)

 

As we reluctantly head into winter on this side of the globe, how do we remember the sovereignty of the Almighty? How can we find stability in Jesus Christ who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever? What does it mean to rest in the strong and unshakeable Kingdom of God?

 

We need one another more than ever. We need those horizontal connections with brothers and sisters as well as that vertical security in Christ. Depending on your location, weather, facilities, and demographics, it may or may not be safe to resume meetings face-to-face. I am very high risk with lung damage and I am also caring for a vulnerable 90 year old mother. As much as I would love to gather people in person for hugs and chocolate chip cookies, I am only able to meet virtually. But thank God for technology. Psalm One Ministries has not shut its doors. Far from it! God is working overtime in the lives of people across the world.

 

Tuesday Bible Study (for men and women): Now, no matter where you live, you can come to the Psalm One gathering for support, encouragement, life-giving tools, and time together seeking the Lord. You don’t have to live in Ohio. This is for men and women, lay and clergy, married and single, any church, anyone who can join us at Tuesday nights at 7:30pm EDT (that’s Wednesday morning for some of you!). We are currently in the Prison Epistles. Seems appropriate for 2020 as Paul distills his message down to the core of what it means to follow Christ in any circumstances. Anyone is welcome, whether you are there every week or once in a blue moon. Sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study 

 

Retreats: We are praying to be able to resume Days of Refreshing and Refocus and Refuel Retreats, but it is not possible yet. Due to multiple roadblocks, we are so sad to cancel our beloved Soul Care Retreats for pastors’ wives for February 2021. Please pray we will be able to gather safely very soon.

 

Pastors’ Wives: In the meantime, pastors’ wives continue to meet with authentic friends who understand life in the ministry. The Sisterhood of the Fishbowl is having a wonderful time together Thursday nights at 7:30pm EDT. Such a great group. No risk, no travel, no cost, no slippery roads, from the comfort of your own home, Covid hair and pajamas welcome! We are currently learning and practicing tools to jump-start our spiritual lives and strengthen our walk with Jesus. We are always glad to see you whether pop in once or are there every week. Pastors’ wives are invited to sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives   

 

Thank you so much to those who have continued to invest in Psalm One! As you can imagine, our giving is down. If you have been blessed, strengthened, or encouraged by Psalm One, I invite you to keep us going with your prayers, gifts, and donations. To invest in the ongoing work of Psalm One: https://www.psalmone.org/donate

 

Please continue to pray for us as we continue to encourage and challenge believers to follow hard after Jesus with our head, heart, and hands. He is still on His throne and our security is in Christ.

 

"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,

But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,

And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,"

Says the LORD who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

 

Much love,

Linda