I started week 2 of ECQ (that rhymes!) with a mental bargain. Or more like, brace-yourself-if-this-happens kind of thought process. If the cases rise to a thousand at week 2, I told myself I need to prepare for the possibility that this enhanced community quarantine would stretch for more than just. a month. Needless to say, there is already in me a heart that is almost ready to throw the towel and give up even before the real situation comes. As of today, PH's COVID-19 cases have gone up to 1546. And statistics predict that so far, this trend is only going upward. I'm bracing myself that this extremely abnormal, immensely uncomfortable, and, in many ways, painful situation will stretch on indefinitely.
And indeed, when one focuses on all the things that seem wrong and out of place, the heart suddenly has a wide space for complaints and grumblings. On the other hand, if we truly tune in our hearts to the word of God and actively ponder upon all the blessings and mercies we receive that we don't deserve, the heart will soon enough overflow with praise. So for week 2, I chose to drill my mind--while hoping that the heart would soon follow--about all the things I should be grateful for. Hence, my materials this week aren't exactly all-new. It kind of turned out to be more of looking back, of "remembering [God's] wonders of old" so I could perceive today's situation with the eyes of faith and with a heart that's more determined to learn in this new training ground for Christlikeness.
March 22, Sunday - Day 8
Since I also write the descriptions for these sermons, I realized I don't need to introduce it so much in this blog anymore. But this sermon has truly given comfort and assurance that these things that are happening are all for His people's good, for His people's being Christlike. To read the gist and listen to the full sermon, click here.
March 23, Monday - Day 9
I'm halfway through Begg's book--the same one I introduced last week. And all the things that I'm thinking of as I read this book, all the heart matters that this book has been helping me with--that's for another, perhaps longer, post. But I really do recommend that you read this book too! Especially since Scribd so generously let us read all its books for free this month. To access the book, click here.
When I was first introduced to this book, I immediately knew I need to have my own copy. I never regretted buying it. And if you wish to train the heart to more meditative prayerfulness, the Puritans had a lot to teach us by example. I've been thinking more these days about how our every action, decision, and chosen activity is a reflection of one's priority and rule in life. Do we opt to stay tuned 24/7 on the television so we could be updated with the COVID-19 cases and all the political bickering? Or do you choose to binge-watch on Netflix instead? The things you spend the most time on--that's your priority. Could we say with the poet, that we desire that God's word be our only rule, and God's approval our only aim? If you haven't heard about the Valley of Vision yet, you may check this link out.
Psalms. Perpetual balm to the hurting heart. A Christian's constant source of comfort. The steady anchor of the fretting soul. A true Christian, therefore, will seek to open the Word often and in there find solace and security from the world that's full of uncertainties and unknowns.
March 26, Thursday - Day 12
God's word also reminds and rebukes. This question has been sitting in my head for a while now. How, indeed, could one endure the more difficult enemies, the more perilous times, if one is easily disheartened by the situation we all face today? If we're so ready to surrender "because it hurts," how are we to endure?
March 27, Friday - Day 13
I watched an online concert by The Gray Havens last Friday, and I just love them. I've had them on my Spotify heavy rotation since 2017, and I don't get tired of them and their songs. Not in the slightest. I don't know. I guess it's just really a different feeling when the artists you listen to write songs about the books you've grown up loving. It's just a different connection. If you haven't listened to them, check out their website!
This specific song has also helped me to "take this slowly." The narrative speaks of how, if we look at what we have today, it doesn't "seem like a lot"--your strength, the grace in you, maybe your ability to face life's difficult situations. I honestly still wake up every morning and feel like I'm up for a battle I'm ill-equipped to face; an uphill climb.
This specific song has also helped me to "take this slowly." The narrative speaks of how, if we look at what we have today, it doesn't "seem like a lot"--your strength, the grace in you, maybe your ability to face life's difficult situations. I honestly still wake up every morning and feel like I'm up for a battle I'm ill-equipped to face; an uphill climb.
March 28, Saturday - Day 14
Again, Begg's book. If you do read it, prepare some tissue.
And truly, when one starts to consider God's favor upon humanity, it's hard to stop counting.
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