“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV).
I don’t know who has been praying that we might live a quiet and peaceable life, but it looks like God heard your prayers! Most of us now are required to stay in our homes with just out families for most of the time. Many of us are not able to work even from home. Many of us are worried about these changes to daily life, how long they might last, and what will be the long-term consequences of them.
Think about it! What a loving Heavenly Father we have! God is able to take care of us and to use this time and these restrictions for our benefit. Instead of worrying or complaining, we can rejoice in the quiet and peacefulness that we have been given and to use it to the fullest so that we might grow in godliness and in reverence to God. How do we do that?
It is important, as this scripture says, that we pray for everyone (that’s what “men” means). And it is important that we pray for our national leaders and others who are in positions of authority, always, but especially in these trying times. Our leaders need God’s guidance and wisdom to make decisions that will be a blessing for everyone.
The scripture also says that we should live in godliness and reverence. That is a challenge for all of us! We need to find ways to connect more with God every day. We can also use this time to connect with others, those who are stuck in the house with us, as well those who, for now, we cannot meet in person. How can we creatively and meaningfully connect with God when we are stuck at home? How can we creatively and meaningfully love one another, get to know one another, pray for one another, and serve one another in these new unprecedented circumstances? May God use this time to lead us into greater love for Him and for each other. May He inspire us with new ideas and help us to implement them to the glory of God and for the blessing of everyone.