James 4: 8-10
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Given the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world has been on lockdown for several weeks now. There is general uncertainty with regards to when exactly this lockdown will be lifted; however certain spiritual benefits are beginning to emerge from these unprecedented times and confining mandate.
Christians all over the world are beginning to experience some form of spiritual awakening, as the rude shock of this pandemic and the accompanying lockdowns have jilted us back to consciousness from our spiritual slumber! The situation is forcing us to seek God like never before, get more into His word, and unite our voices in technology-mediated prayer sessions all across the globe!
It’s becoming increasingly clear that while God did not author this pandemic situation, He is determined to bring out some good out of it. Specifically, as it relates to our personal spiritual states and world-wide revival. Personally, I have been drawn more into God’s presence by constantly abiding in my ‘sanctuary’ (my closet); and digging deeper into His word, more than ever before! I have found myself camping in this sanctuary for whole days (sometimes all week) as I seek His face at these uncertain times.
God has revealed great insights, revelations, and deeper knowledge of His word as I sit at His feet to learn of Him. Among these revelations are the five Rs of our lockdown (Reflect, Repent, Reset, Renew, and Revive) which are briefly detailed in the notes below. While Christians are gradually picking up the ‘fragments’ of God’s requirement during this lockdown, I’m hoping the insights below will further clarify our muddled priorities to the point of hastened obedience and compliance.
Reflect – We all have been extremely busy these past few years of our lives. Our jam-packed schedules have left little or no space for God on any scale or to any degree. One of the requirements during this lockdown is that we take some time to consider our ways, or reflect on how we’ve lived our lives so far – what has been done right, or wrong?
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139: 23-24).
Repent – Obviously, the reflection will uncover some spiritual aspects of our lives that are not quite pleasing to God, or might require improvement. We must quickly ask for forgiveness, and the grace to turn away from these displeasing attitudes, character, or practices.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7).
Reset – The dictionary defines this word as adjust, or fix. In this case, it means to undo the wrong, make amends, or fix it in such a way that we begin to function as expected. In some cases, it could mean starting all over again! God is not impressed by our spiritual ‘showoffs’, but expects us to come clean and start over again if necessary.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
Renew – This process involves digging deeper in God’s word, seeking His face, waiting on Him, and hearing what He has to say. God also has an agenda for this time we are in, and He will reveal His secrets to those who are close to Him; those who sincerely seek Him.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God (Psalm 42: 1-2).
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51: 10).
Have you bothered asking God what your role is in this COVID-19 situation? Why were you born for such a time as this?
Revive – The resulting effect of all the above steps is that our old flickering flame will be re-ignited! The Spirit of God will stir up a personal revival in our hearts! And as we are set on fire, we burn through our neighborhood, communities, cities, countries, igniting every other person along the way, such that a mighty revival is kindled across our nations and the world at large!
For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring. (Isaiah 44: 3).
Folks, these I believe, are the five Rs of our current lockdown!