Let's abound in love

We all have seen the craziness of panicking selfish people in the last few weeks of the Corona Virus scare. People have been hurt and nearly killed over something as basic as toilet paper.

But that is not the way of Christians. We are called to increase and abound in love one toward another. We seem to forget that God is called Jehovah Jireh... the God Who provides. And He will.

We must follow the path of our Saviour in being selfless and looking out for others' interests. No loading shopping trolleys full of food or another essential and leaving nothing for others.

Times are stressful and we don't know what each day will bring, but it hasn't caught Jesus by surprise. His promises to be with us and to provide for us are still ours today.

Let us hold tight our confession of faith in Jesus. He will not fail us, and we can't fail others. Let us purpose to abound in love one toward another and show the world that we are not only a people of faith, but of love and compassion.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

So where do we go from here?

So we have the world literally upside down with this pandemic. Although we know God has us in His Hands, it is still a challenge to avoid catching the virus. And not giving way to fear.  So where do we go from here?

Yesterday we discussed spiritually how to overcome fear. We have talked about using basic hygiene and clinging to Jesus in times of trouble. 

We have talked about FlyLady's post on keeping peace in our home.  Today I would like to add some thoughts: things I have thought of doing in my own life....

• Take care of the spiritual daily by reading the Word, praying and worshiping. Play worship songs and hymns
• Take care of your physical needs and that of your family by preparing nourishing meals
• Take care not to speak of your fears within earshot of your children: they understand more than we realise.
• Take care of your home: it is not only your safe haven, but it gives nurture and stability in a world that is anything but nurturing and stable. Follow your normal home keeping routines.
• Take care of your pets and livestock, but particularly your pets. Animals sense fear. Remember to show them love and keep in mind that they can't get or pass on this Corona Virus.
• Take care to plan ahead with meals and shopping. Shelves are getting low. Plan to stock enough basic food, feminine hygiene products and toiletries to last a two week period should it be necessary to self-isolate or we are locked down. Make sure you have a month's extra prescription medications if you take them. Buy extra pain relievers, bandaids and disinfectant.
• Take care to plan fun activities with the children and strictly monitor what they see on TV or on their ipads etc. We don't need to fill little heads with adult problems. Restrict News programs
• Take care to explain to those who may say we lack faith to stock pile or practise extra hygiene, that we believe in God, but we also believe in following protocols to keep our family safe.
• Take care to give extra hugs to your husband and children. It is beneficial for everyone and a good cuddle helps relieve stress and enhances love in a marriage and family

These days are a trial to all of us, but we can minimise the effects by trying to keep our life as undisturbed as possible. Most disturbance will be dictated by this virus and is out of our control, however, we can control our reaction to it and the smooth running of our household. Eventually this horrid thing will burn itself out and will be a distant memory. That's where we go from here.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

 So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.  Psalm 90:12

What to do when fear's gone viral

So, there's hardly a person alive today who hasn't heard of the Corona Virus. With the internet spewing its' fear over us and then word of mouth, it is by far the most heard of influenza virus of our time! And the fear of this virus has gone viral.

I won't lie to you that I haven't been afraid of contracting the virus. I have. I also have many co-morbidities that preclude me having a quick recovery, or even recovering. 

For starters, I am a senior woman. I have a very weak heart that requires yet another stent to join my three already placed there thirteen years ago. A hole in the heart means that my right lung in particular is not oxygenating properly. I am asthmatic and have weakened lungs because of having had pneumonia three times. Plus I have diabetes 2 and am obese. All these co-morbidities do not bode well for me if I were to contract the Corona Virus.

So you can guess that I have been fearful of it. So much so that I locked myself in my study and spent a couple of hours before the LORD in confession and prayer. And I came out of that room a changed woman spiritually.

How have I changed in such a short time? you ask. Because I momentarily lost sight of who I am in relation to God, and more importantly, Who He is. 

He is sovereign and I am His Child. He even calls me "friend". 

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 

He has promised never to leave me nor forsake me Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I  will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

My life is in His Hands and it is His good pleasure to either stop me getting this virus or taking me Home. I briefly forgot this important fact. 

We are told not to be anxious and it is very hard not to be. So what do we do? 

1. We confess our fear
2. We repent of fear
3. We look at the promises of God
4. We praise God for His promises and
5. We believe He will keep them
6. We worship God
7. We praise Him
8. We refute fearful thoughts

Now as a woman with post-traumatic stress disorder, panic/anxiety disorder and plain bad nerves, I know how hard it is to stay calm in the current situation. But, I am here to tell you that it can be done. But you must take the time to actually go to God and place your fears at His feet. Then look up!

Make a practice of refuting fearful thoughts and force yourself to think of your blessings. Claim God's promises for you as His Child. He's not going to push you away because you are afraid. And by His Blood, He has provided a way out of sin. It's called grace! 

Read the scriptures, listen to uplifting worship music. Watch uplifting podcasts of your favourite sermons. Go outside and listen to the birds or look at the stars. Be assured that you are of more value than a sparrow and that God has you in the palm of His Hand.

Finally, take a break from social media, watching the News and reading the newspapers. The media are to blame a lot for us being so nervous and have caused panic buying. 

These are some things I have put into effect in my own home and are some suggestions of what to do when fear's gone viral...

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

When I was a small child and lived in fear, I learned Psalm 91 off by heart and would recite it to help myself go to sleep... it still calms my pounding heart...  have a read for yourself and take it to heart:

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine yes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee. Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." Psalm 91:1-10 

A leaf out of the Old Testament

In ages past the Jewish people were often suspected of practising magic arts and were regarded with suspicion because in times of illness they often went unscathed.

When the Black Plague happened, most Jews survived and not only were suspicions heightened, but so were the hate crimes and anti-semitism as seen in more pogroms.

The Jewish people then and to this day practice good hygiene according to the Torah. They wash hands frequently, especially before eating in a ceremonious washing of hands. There are strict hygiene laws regarding mildew, illness, body fluids, menstruation and house cleansing and food preparation.

Because of these Laws, many Jewish homes were untouched by illness, much to the consternation of the gentiles who didn't really need much to trigger their pogroms and hate.

So what can we learn from these practices today? We can use basic good hygiene, such as washing our hands frequently, but especially before we eat or prepare food. 

We can wash bedclothes, towels and tea towels frequently in times of illness. We can ensure that all cooking vessels are thoroughly washed and rinsed, especially tea cups and cutlery. This is good practice whether there is illness or not in order to prevent illness or if it's in the house, spreading.

The people in the Old Testament and in particular Leviticus were given these Laws by the Creator God Who blessed these people and covenanted with them. They are the same Laws that will protect Christians today. 

Basic hygiene will keep us safe from contracting the Corona Virus, just like it did for the Jewish people during past plagues. Let's incorporate godly hygiene practices by taking a leaf out of the Old Testament.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

"And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, "You shall also make a basin of bronze, and its pedestal also of bronze, to wash with; and you shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. For Aaron and his sons shall wash there their hands and their feet. When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire to the Lord. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not; and it shall be a statute forever to them, to him and to his seed throughout their generations." Exodus 17-21

Hunker down in cosy nests

So there are many changes to our lifestyle since the Corona Virus. They are extremely important if we are to stop its' spread. 

Currently we are in isolation with only essential services allowed to stay open. Even the doctors no longer want to see us unless it's of an urgent nature. 

Chris and I went to our doctor today for repeat prescriptions. He gave them to us and told us that last night the Australian government have implemented a Telemed system whereby you can ring the clinic and the doctor will fax your script to your chemist.

So now we are hunkering down, shopping online and worshiping online. Woolworths asked some details from us to prove we were either aged or disabled. They will only be doing online shops for us. Last week they emailed me to say I was approved. I am happy about that. 

For me, staying at home is not really a problem. I have plenty of opportunity to rest as my fibromyalgia flares, in fact I have been sleeping a good deal.

I have also been doing some decluttering and cooking soups for freezing. There are also some projects we are doing like finally putting pretty pictures up in the bedrooms and putting my electric blanket back on for the coming winter. 

I have been playing worship music and listening to the Psalms on You Tube. Last Sunday I took communion at home after a time of personal worship.  

It is important to remember that God is with us and is not surprised by this virus. If we do as we are told, and with His help, we will overcome.

Refuse to give way to fear- feel it, then bring it into the captivity of Christ. Fill yourself with songs of praise, pray and keep the faith. 

Keep your nest clean and comfortable and full of Spirit filled words and music. Make sure your pantry and fridge have sufficient food. Enjoy some peace from the rat race world. There is no better place than home to come apart from the world and let the pestilence dissipate.

So clean your nest, fill it with good things, keep cooking nice meals, and renew your marriage and family life and your faith as you hunker down in your cosy nest.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. Isaiah 26:20

Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Stay home.

Yesterday I received a message which I couldn't share as it was an audio message. It resonated as true to me and is worth passing on. It was written by a nurse who is working with Corona Virus patients. 

She states that China has found out some more facts about the CV from autopsies and this is how it works. Once in your mouth, it hangs around for a few days before infecting your bronchial tubes and lungs. It forms very thick phlegm which impedes breathing.

Before it gets to that stage, if one starts to get a sore throat, she recommends immediately gargling with salt, lemon or vinegar in water. It doesn't do too well in heat, so she recommends drinking hot drinks: soups, tea, coffee and warm water. By doing this, initally the virus will be transferred to the stomach where the gastric juices will destroy the virus. Obviously, washing hands, refraining from smoking and social distancing will all help us avoid getting the virus in the first place.

These steps seem commonsense to me and certainly can't hurt to try.... Stay safe. Stay vigilant. Stay home.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. Isaiah 26:20