My Doorway to Discovering Deeper Truth was in Quarantine

There are about five truths I have been focusing on in this weird season. For starters it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. Honestly this May has been a lot harder. This last week has been the hardest. However, since March 15th I have been experiencing a lot of emotions. Grief, frustration, confusion, doubt, and sadness to name a few. On the contrary, happiness, excitement, deep joy, and peace as well. It’s always easier to know the truth when you’re having a good day, but some days I have to remind myself every thirty minutes. 

I recently heard that our emotions are actually a doorway to intimacy with Jesus. Or worded even better, “And it’s here that we are tempted to believe that these emotions, thoughts, and aches that we experience are simply hurdles to jump over or a mountain to summit before we can actually enter into rest. In reality, it is only through this facing of ourselves and of God that we find the gateway to the intimacy and freedom we long to experience so deeply.” -Bridgetown Church// Podcast: Sabbath and Your Humanity. Today I wanted to share five truths that Jesus has highlighted to me on my own emotional roller coaster. I hope they encourage you.

#1. The power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. Jesus has the power and the last say about death. The Crucifixion and Resurrection proves He is God and therefore His truth is unshakeable. 

So I know He meets me in every valley and all my grief. And because I believe He rose from the grave, I can also believe what He says about me. Sitting in silence brings forth all of my insecurities and doubt. Through that He has shown me that I am enough, even if I am doing nothing. When I am not learning anything new, not working, and what feels like up-in-the-air plans… I am simply enough. My relationship with Jesus is not built off good works, but receiving God’s love first (the good works come after). 

#2. Isaiah 58:11-12 says, “The Eternal One will never leave you; He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless, God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended; you will be like a spring whose water never runs out. You will discover there are people among your own who can rebuild this broken-down city out of the ancient ruins; You will firm up its ancient foundations. And all around, others will call you “Repairer of Broken Down Walls” and “Rebuilder of Livable Streets.” 

When I feel worthless and hopeless He shows up. In the stillness and restlessness of my soul I can bring everything. All my emotions, tears, brokenness, and lies. I can choose to bring all of myself to the feet of Jesus or use coping mechanisms to avoid the ache in my soul. Along with that, in my broken-down city His Kingdom comes. His Kingdom is in my corner of the world. He has not forgotten me nor will He leave. 

#3. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

I have everything in Christ to live a Godly life, even in weird circumstances. 

#4. 1 John 5:19 says, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one.” John 16:33 says, “ I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

I belong to God. In this crazy-limbo-season I belong somewhere.  

#5. Gratitude takes me far. Living from a place of thanks instead of scarcity and fear fosters more peace and joy. I try to remember and praise Him in all things. Gratitude and praise pulls me away from anxiety and worry and to the truth of God. He is good.

Who knew that quarantine/ social distancing could become a doorway to discover deeper truths about God and myself. All five of these things have brought me deeper rest and deeper trust.  I hope they can do the same for you.

-Maia

Side note: Soon I will be finding out Adventures in Missions decisions for my World Race. Whether it is returning to the field or not (or other possibilities), I can’t wait to share. Either way, God is good!