The Purification Of Our Hearts
Hi, I’m Joni and I’ve got cabin fever!
Like you during this pandemic, the 2,000 square feet of our home is about as far as I can roam; that is, except, when the temperature is mild and I can wheel outside in the backyard. I really wanted to go to the headquarters of Joni and Friends to record these words, but, no, my husband Ken has the final word. And so right now, he is being so very protective of me. And here I am in my guest bedroom talking to you. Well, last weekend, I was so hoping Ken might drive me to the local hiking trail up in the Santa Monica mountains, but now those hiking paths are closed for the time being. Ken’s not even venturing out into the supermarket now, but he’s letting one of my caregivers pick up frozen food. That’s pretty much the diet these days. Ken’s being super cautious about bringing any germs into the house – even when he takes a break and walks around the block, he usually steps off the sidewalk and into the street when passing our neighbors – and they do the same. So, here I am at home, yep, and I’ve got cabin fever. But even as I stay home and work remotely on projects, I am placing my hand on the pilot’s wheel of Scripture and sage wisdom from saints of old. I mean, during such unsettling times, it’s so good to park my wheelchair on the rock of Scripture. Like a favorite, that “… we know that in all things God works [together] for good [to] those who love Him [and are] … called according to His purpose.” And then later on, “What can separate us from the love of [God]?” Even if I should contract this virus with my fragile lungs, even it cannot separate me from the love of God. So, what would be so loving if it were to happen? Well, Octavius Winslow – he was a Puritan from the 19th century – he once wrote this about Romans chapter 8. He said –
“Be not then afraid. Calmly stay your faith on this divinely assured truth, that ‘all things work together for good to those who love God.’ Will it not be a good, if your present adversity results in the dethronement of some worshiped idol; [or] in the endearing of Christ to your soul; [is it not good to have] closer conformity of your mind to God’s image; [or] in the purification of your heart; in your more thorough fitness for Heaven; [is it not good that there be] a revival of God’s work within you; [or] stirring you up to more prayer?”
Wow, that is what’s loving about God in the midst of this virus. Yeah, I may have cabin fever, but this present adversity, as Winslow puts it, is resulting in the dethronement of more than a few worshipped idols, like too much Netflix. And for me the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables – ’cause, I really like my spinach, but I can’t have it! And in this present adversity, it’s resulting in the purification of my heart as Ken Tada and I are using this time to memorize Psalm 51. And, yeah, this adversity is fitting me for heaven and reviving God’s work within me. And most of all, it’s stirring up in me much more prayer. These are the ways God is working this virus out for my good.
And I hope good for you, too, in all these things and more. Hey, you know, this old Puritan, Octavius Winslow, has a lot more sage wisdom to share in this time of suffering. So, Google him and learn more. Or, you can share this with your Facebook friends. And don’t forget, our Joni and Friends team is busy lifting up lots of prayer requests before the Lord Jesus, so take a minute, would you?, and visit joniandfriends.org and let us know how we can pray for you. Especially if you have cabin fever!
Oh, and one more thing – I want to send you a copy of our Joni and Friends newsletter. So, just go to joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends
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31 Days Toward Passionate Faith
You have been called from death to life, from doubt to faith, from apathy to passion! Joni shares daily inspiration to guide you on your own life’s journey.
