One of the good things that resulted from Minnesota's Stay Home order is that the church has left the building. In fact, our greatest ministry has always been beyond the walls of the church facility.
Watch Pastor Roger's Message
Practice Relaxed Concern // Benevolent Detachment
Relaxed concern or benevolent detachment is different from compartmentalizing or denying something. You can't live "in the crisis" all the time. We need to have a loving, compassionate detachment. Read Psalm 16 and see how David engages in things around him while letting the Lord God fill the space and himself.
Psalm 16 English Standard Version
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.[b]
4 The sorrows of those who run after[c] another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.[d]
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being[e] rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.[f]
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Soul Care and Benevolent Detachment
Take some time today to exercise some soul care. You need to take a few minutes to care for yourself.
- Sit quietly and read Psalm 16. Remember that God is here with us, he is still in control, he is for us, and he is providing for us.
- Go outside. Take a walk.
- Learn new rhythms, especially spending time together at the table to enjoy meals.
- Read.
- Stay alert to the needs around you.
- Gear up for the long-term effects of the coronavirus crisis that likely will ripple into the next twelve months. Consider how to help others with your unique gifting, vision, and perseverance.
Practice benevolent detachment, "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
