by Pine Cove
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Unexpected. Unpredictable. Uncertain and downright unbelievable. These are a few words to attempt to capture what 2020 has been so far.
For most of us, we started this year with a renewed list of goals and dreams and that expectant feeling that comes from hitting the “reset” button. Instead, this year has left many of us scrambling to understand, figuring out a new normal, and grieving a lot of change and “what should have been.” Through a global pandemic that has affected nearly every part of our lives, racial injustice and unrest, various natural disasters, and the chaos of an election year, it’s easy to feel lost, to doubt, and to embody what James said when he spoke of “waves of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Pine Cove isn’t the source to inform you, but as an organization you trust, we want to provide an outline of how to process all that’s happening in the world by offering reflective questions and journaling prompts, pointing you to what Scripture says, and featuring other trusted resources. We hope this guide serves as a steady navigation tool in processing some really hard and confusing things.
As with any journey, we must first begin by searching our own hearts. Set aside some dedicated time to think and pray on your own or to process with a trusted friend or family member. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139: 23-24).
Search Your Heart: Questions to Ask Yourself
With times ever-changing and our minds struggling to keep up, it can be hard to be still. Take some time to reflect on this unique period and how you’ve seen God throughout. “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Psalm 62:5).
Reflect and Remember: Journal Prompts to Write Through
Spending time in God’s Word will always be an invaluable use of time. With so much uncertainty and so many opinions swirling around, it’s essential that we know how God thinks and what His Word says about all that’s going on around us and inside of us. “[Blessed is the one] whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (Psalm 1:1-3)
Develop a Godly Perspective: Scripture to Meditate On
On racial unity:
On uncertainty:
On politics:
While opinions can differ greatly on the biggest headlines, here are some questions to ask others to get a conversation started in ways that build relationships. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
Invest in Your Community: Questions to Ask Others
For casual conversation:
For deep conversation:
There is a lot of information and sometimes the further we go, the more fearful we can become. It can also be difficult to know where to start or what to believe. Below are some trusted resources authored by brothers and sisters in the Faith. As with any resource, be sure to ask God to guide your thoughts to be like His. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given.” (James 1:5)
Dig Deeper: Trusted Resources to Research
Read
Listen
It’s difficult to live during a time when it’s never been more clear that the only certain thing is that everything is uncertain. The truth that can be found in the midst of that, however, is the assurance we have in what is unseen and knowing that our hope is not found in any of this. There is so much we cannot control, but what we can control is setting our hearts on the Lord, talking through our emotions with our communities, and aiming to grow and learn however we can.
Posted Dec 29, 2020
Categories: Inside the Cove (Browse all)
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