Bubble Shrinkage

War between Russia and Ukraine. COVID 19. Lockdowns, forced vaccinations. School shootings, Roe v. Wade, Critical race theory. Gender confusion. Inflation, recession. Food shortages, $5.20 for a gallon of gas – and  now … Monkeypox locked and loaded, waiting in the wings!

I could go on. But you know – you’ve been there.

And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.  Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.  But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:6-8 (NLT)

Seriously?  … with more to come!   How much more, Lord?

I’m on the edge, fighting harder each day to remain peaceful, fully trusting God. As these “birth pains” increase, I find myself reliving the birth of my first child. As my labor intensified and the delivery neared, all I could  think was, “I can’t do this! I want to go home! I want my mom!” I’m feeling all of these same things now!

What is happening in our world is scary and overwhelming and could certainly pull us down into a pit of despair.

As the “birth pains” intensify, coming faster and harder, my world is shrinking. I stay home more, cocooned in my cozy house. I’m watching less TV and reading more. I feel more at ease in the bubble of my personal sanctuary. The presence of the Holy Spirit dwells in my bubble and I can shut out the chaos.   

Last week I watched a video clip of a Christian comedian named Michael Jr. speaking at a church gathering.  In the two-minute clip, Michael describes the birth of his youngest daughter, explaining that his baby had literally just been born and was about 2-1/2 minutes old. As the nurse is trying to clean her up, the baby, Portland, started crying.

Michael leaned over and began talking to her, reassuring her that she was okay and he was right there. As soon as he started speaking to her, the baby immediately stopped crying. Amazing!

Michael went on to explain that about seven minutes later, little Portland started crying again. Michael continued to talk to her,

What happened next had me in tears. As Michael described the situation, he told the congregation, “Now pay attention to what happens when I tell her I love her.”

With his fatherly words of “I love you,” Portland immediately stopped crying again. She opened her newborn eyes and looked straight at her father.

To drive his point home, Michael told the crowd that our heavenly Father is talking to us all the time, reassuring us and reminding us that he loves us. All we have to do is open our eyes and listen for his voice.

If you are struggling like many of us are with current events and feel as though you are losing hope – be still. Turn your face towards heaven and listen for the Father’s voice. He loves you and wants to remind you that He hasn’t left us alone.

Be still and know that I am God.