3 Responses to the Stay at Home Order

By bethanngormong, March 26, 2020

“Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses.”
‭‭Numbers 9:22-23 NIV

It feels like the entire world is under a cloud right. Authorities are asking us to stay put. Stay home.

3 Responses to the Stay at Home Order:

1. Fear: I have friends who is anxious, listening for any new updates, looking for good signs and bad signs to confirm or disprove those fears.
2. Anger: Other friends are angry with the restrictions, feel the authorities are overreacting or overreaching.
3. Relief: I hear from my introverted friend the relief at slowing down, distancing without ridicule, and a feeling of safety in doing so.

Which response do you have?

The Israelites, I’m sure, had similar responses. Fear of the unknown future, anger and irritation at not reaching the promised land quickly, relief for being given a time to rest their weary bodies or relief from the anxiety of constantly moving toward the unknown.

All of ours reactions are natural, as were the Israelite’s. What we do with our feelings is important.

Let’s be like the Israelites.

They obeyed.

Lord,

Help us with all our mixed emotions.

Help us stay still when we want to move.

Help us to ovey without complaint.

It is so hard to do.

Amen.