One Way to Get Through Crisis by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

I’m still holed up in my house, but not necessarily because of COVID-19. It’s because I am obsessed with completing a short book project about the journey back to my Jewish roots.
However, when I do venture out, the world still does not feel “normal’ to me. My state, Texas, is reporting record-breaking Coronavirus hospitalizations this week.

Most people continue to wear masks, and today, when I took our dog, Jewel, to the vet to get a couple of shots, I was not allowed to go in—the technicians had to come out to the car and get her. Meanwhile, our church that I miss so much, is reopening in July but on a very limited basis. I believe a lot of us will continue to watch online.

All of the above is why we cancelled both of our Pearls of Promise Level-Up Conferences this fall. Our events are intimate, and facilitate emotional healing. I just don’t see it working when we have to social distance and wear face coverings.

So in the midst of this ongoing saga, what should we do? I have one suggestion.

PRAISE.
Praise God in the crisis.
Praise God because we can tap into His strength when all this attempts to take us down emotionally.
Praise God because He will bring us through it.
Praise God in advance because He has the cure.
Praise God because He loves us.
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat, one of the “good kings” of Judah was facing war against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir. Some people told Jehoshaphat “A vast army is coming against you from Edom.” So Jehoshaphat declared a nationwide fast, and the people from every town in Judah came together and sought the Lord’s guidance. That’s when the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel, one of the prophets, and he said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:14). Then with the enemy armies fast approaching, the prophet said something bizarre. “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you.”

Not one arrow would be shot?
No swords thrust?
No hand-to-hand combat?
And this is how it happened. King Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army. They said, “Give thanks to the LORD for his love endures forever.”

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir and they were defeated. The enemies of Judah literally destroyed one another.

And when the troops returned home victorious, they were still praising. “They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets” (2 Chronicles 20:28).
What if we tried this? What if we quit complaining about our circumstances and praise God ahead of time for what He will do in the future? What if we ask the LORD to see what’s happening from His perspective and praise Him for the answer? What if we praise G-d for the continued time at home? He is doing something special in us because He continues to have our undivided attention. Hey, I’m getting a new book completed!
Praise could be the answer.

We want to invite you to our next POP Chat on ZOOM Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m.. We will be introducing worship leader, Teresa Hammering, and Lisa Burkhardt Worley will be sharing about the topic, “How to Have Unity.” This will be a one-hour time of Prayer, Worship, Teaching and Discussion. Here’s the link to sign up. Hope to see you! https://share.hsforms.com/15bHBupdrTBugXxD9Y8Q_MQ3jo4z?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=89304151&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8r8FWa_kFZcONxlsE2ffQ7UwrWi80D9kV7cShhbPCtoJU6G_84OxxMXOdyqUVM3SpAmUUVJ1uYGLCH76typbi-yn-wIA&utm_content=89304151&utm_source=hs_email