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COVID Thoughts: Philippians 4:19: Much Needed Sleep

My family and I were on vacation in Europe when the pandemic hit the continent full force. Our first night in Europe - before we knew how COVID-19 was going to paralyze the world - we were exhausted. My wife and my older daughter were so tired at 4pm that they just couldn’t stay awake. It had been a long day-and-a-half of travel without much sleep for any of us. With my wife and my older daughter asleep I took my youngest to the park, the playground, and the grocery store (before any lock downs or social distancing were in full effect!) so that we wouldn't disturb them. At the playground I made a mistake: I sat down. I sat on a bench while my youngest daughter was playing and I just could not stay awake! No matter what I did, I couldn’t stay awake - so we headed to the apartment.

When we got there we noticed that there were not enough beds for us and there were even less blankets. Our older daughter was sleeping on the couch with one blanket and my wife was sleeping on a double bed with the only other blanket we could find in the whole place. Cold and crowded, my youngest and I lay down beside my wife and we soon fell asleep.

We slept for a few hours and then we were awake because the conditions for sleep were not very good. We left the bedroom and read quietly on the floor outside the washroom so as not to wake the others.

It struck me that even though conditions were not conducive to a good night's sleep, when we were so tired that we could not possibly continue God granted us the sleep we needed.

As I type this we like many others are in quarantine. The struggles and concerns surrounding the epidemic are everywhere. As Salvation Army officers we are doing our best to support our community, coordinating much online and by phone. We also have the opportunity to pray with and encourage people from a distance.

One encouragement I have for people is this: Just as when we desperately needed rest, the Lord provided it even though the conditions were not the best; so now with those of us who are struggling with isolation and other things, even though things are not the best, the Lord will provide. In the midst of our very real struggles, the Lord cares for us and He is there with us. He will neither leave us or forsake us.

Hebrews 13:5b and Deuteronomy 31:6b: God has said: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."

Philippians 4:9: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Cf. also Matthew 6:25-34


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