In a time of great distress and much panic and confusion, we end up sitting wondering what on earth is going on. Trust me, I get it. If we’re absolutely honest with ourselves, we’re even a little mad about the whole thing. What about the plans we had? What about the trips we wanted to go on? The goodbyes we may not get to say? The plans that will never come to fruition? All of this virus business is quite sad, and it’s okay to admit that. 

 

So now we sit and ask ourselves, now that all our plans are spoiled and we have to abide by strict regulations for meeting, what do we do? Well first, we smile! What greater remedy to such confusion and distress than joy! 

 

Yes, for those of you who are seniors, you might never return to your high school for classes ever again. And you know what, that sucks. Honestly, one of the biggest bummers you’ll face as a youth. But as grief and pain come, so does opportunity!

 

What’s that one thing you’ve always wanted to get into? Build that thing you’ve always wanted to build. Read that book you’ve always wanted to read, bake that pastry you’ve always wanted to bake! What better a time to do it and what great joy awaits!

 

Who’s that person you need to rectify things with; now is your chance! What wrongs need to be made right can be accomplished when we’re all at our lowest! 

 

I was sitting with my girlfriend the other night and her mom sent her an article. The title: “Spending More Time with Your Parents Will Prolong Their Lives”. So, as we sit here, at home, stuck with our parents and siblings, I think it’s time to give our parents some extra days. 

 

Read a book, start a hobby, spend time with your family, whatever it is just do it! You have the opportunity so just full send and live life to its fullest here and now instead of sitting by and thinking of all the other ways it could be going. 

 

For me, it had been some time since I’d sat down on my own and cracked open the most important piece of literature on the planet (I know, it’s a lot more convicting when you put it that way). This is what I’d read:

 

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

(Hebrews 1:3)

 

I think we all need to take a moment to sit and just think to ourselves, “Wow, that really does hit different!” Jesus, the Son of God, is the radiance, the eminence of the glory of God. His very Word sustains the heavens and the earth so that the existence of both may remain. After He’d provided salvation through His Blood, He sat down at the Father’s right hand to be glorified and continue in His reign for all eternity. 

 

And as He sits on high, meditate on these words about the Christ: 

 

“But about the Son, he says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.””

(Hebrews 1:8-9 NIV)

 

Specifically focus on the last bit, the “oil of joy”. This prophetic writing prophesied in Isaiah 61:3 refers to the relief and joy to the Jewish people upon the return of Christ Jesus. Have we not ourselves received this oil of joy? Can we not light our lanterns so bright to those who love us, those globally digitally, and even within ourselves? The Spirit of God is alive! Press into Him, and He will overflow your cup with the oil of joy, even in the midst of all this pain.