Let’s Not Go Back to Business as Usual

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul…” – Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV)

I wonder if you had the same experience as me. As a child, I remember my parents frequently enforcing a “time-out” whenever I’d get into a heated disagreement with my siblings and would not stand to reason. Usually, that meant a set amount of time alone in my room to “think about” where I went wrong and how I could have handled things differently.

I remember always feeling upset over being isolated and not having social interaction with the rest of my family. The stewing would last for several minutes, but would eventually give way to reading a book, playing quietly, or maybe even taking a nap.

My parents knew what was best for me. They knew that a few minutes in isolation was what I needed to calm down and clear my head which somehow always led to a change of heart. The change of heart then opened the door for me to make things right with the sibling or family member that I offended.

The same is true for sheep. Sheep don’t always know what’s best for them. Sheep don’t intuitively know the best places to graze, or when danger lurks around the corner. They need the guidance and provision of their shepherd to thrive as a herd. I suppose that’s why the Psalmist wrote, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” (Psalm 23:2a).

Could it be that COVID-19 is God’s way of making us lie down in green pastures? He knows we need the rest. Our pace of life has reached breakneck speeds.

As talk of “re-opening” our country gains momentum, we must resolve not to go back to “business as usual.” This forced season of stillness is an opportunity for us to hit the reset button. We are the bride of Christ. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Is the Church ready for His return, or have we been chasing after the same things as the world?

In Luke 17:30, Jesus gives this warning “…it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the hour when the Son of Man returns” (NLT). Three verses later, He says “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it” (Luke 17:33).

Now is the time to let go of things that have no eternal value. Let’s not go back to business as usual.

What is the Lord whispering to your heart as you sit in time-out? What is He asking you to change? Is He prompting you to switch jobs or reduce the amount of overtime you’re working to make room for Him? Maybe God’s asking you to let go of a hobby or relationship that’s crowding Him out of your life. Could He be nudging you to limit your commitments and activities so that you can be available for Him? Whatever it is, will you resolve with me not to go back to business as usual?

In the video below, Frances Chan poignantly shares that God’s desire in this current season of stillness is for us to go deeper with the Lover of our souls. Although he’s addressing the Church of Hong Kong, his timely words apply to the Church as a whole.

8 thoughts on “Let’s Not Go Back to Business as Usual”

  1. Such a blessing to be still with the Lord and his word, before the pandemic I was on the treadmill of constantly working( a work aholic) as I tend to do often and never take time out. But now that I’m not working so much it’s a joy to get up early and get into word. The Lord has definitely used this pandemic to cause us to rededicate and devote our time to him. During this time of quarantine I studied Psalm 23, 91, the good Shepherd takes great care of his sheep, as we trust in him, rely on him, depend on him. His goodness and mercy is always there. He is our comfort and peace, he is our provider and will bring us through. But as he has us still draw nigh unto him. Thank you so much for this portion of scripture. God bless you as you continue to write for him. Love ya

  2. The thought of God turning off the trend mill of our lives is His way of saying, let’s have fellowship together never occurred to me in the way that Pastor Chan so profoundly conveyed. Thanks for bringing another perspective about our life on pause and the beauty of resting in green pastures as a place of rest and restoration for our hearts, minds and souls, as well as a time of deeper fellowship with Him…so desperately needed in our time.

    1. What a blessing it is to have this focused time with Him, the Creator of the Universe and the Lover of our souls. I can’t wait to see how God will use this to advance His Kingdom!

  3. Linda Viselli

    Amen, Rachel… I posted a link to similar thoughts from Tim Keller (posted by Focus on the Family)… this is our opportunity to turn our eyes upon Jesus… and let the things of earth to dim… so we can concentrate on things above.

    1. It blows my mind that the One who spoke the world into being desires to have such intimacy with us. Wow, God! You amaze me!

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