What happens when you magnify something? The object increases in size, more importance is given to it, or it intensifies thus making it seem more exciting or in some cases more detrimental.

The enemy oftentimes magnify our life, with an emphasis on the toughest times or our worst decisions to keep us stuck in a place of defeat and despair. Due to the current new norm for some of us we’ve turned the magnifying glass on ourselves. The threat on lives, social distancing and stay at home order associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, has caused a plethora of emotions that have become magnified.  In the midst of all these necessary changes there are emotions we need to be able to process, but may not be sure if we should or how we should process them.

So how should you handle those days when you’re feeling disappointed? And right behind that is a feeling of worry that expressing your disappointment can make you look petty, especially during this season where COVID-19 has people with so many uncertainties.

Please understand processing your disappointment is not only OK, but it’s emotionally and spiritually necessary. Because you are not making light of someone else’s pain when you process YOUR pain to gain a clearer perspective.

The great news is God is here to help us process those emotions.  God magnifies our life as well with an emphasis on the toughest times and worst decisions. The difference is, God magnifies them to let us know we are not alone. He magnifies them to remind us we don’t have to let those things continue to weigh us down. He magnifies them so we can develop a closer relationship with Him. He magnifies them so we at some point are able to use them as a testimony to help someone else. He magnifies them so we don’t have to process them alone. Whatever you’re going through it’s worth taking it to The Lord and asking for help.

So, what do we do as we stare at the realities of school closures, graduations postponed or canceled, businesses facing financial loss, not being able to see loved ones and things we thought we would be doing in this season looking very different? How do we take the magnifying glass off the negative of our realities that can cause disappointments?

1. Remember what you do have, so you don’t get consumed by what has or could be taken:
Many plans have to be canceled or postponed and that’s very hard. But remember fun hasn’t been cancel, love hasn’t been canceled, being kind to others hasn’t been canceled and learning and growing hasn’t been canceled. Use this time to reframe what matters most and find creative ways to celebrate those times and people.
 
2. Remember who God is:
 God is a protector: He is protecting you from what you can and cannot see.
God is a provider: He is providing for you, even though His provision looks different than what you expect doesn’t mean it’s not good.
God is present: Even when others are absent. God does incredible things in the unseen.
God is faithful: No matter what is being taken from you right now or currently happening, place it in the hands of God because He is still in control.

While we’re all trying to remain calm and hopeful as we navigate unexpected fears, hardships and disappointment let’s be intentional in not allowing social distancing to prevent us from extending love and grace to one another. #checkonanothersister
 
PEARLStoPONDER: It can be easy to let today’s disappointments make you expect the absolute worst for tomorrow. Our job is to obey God, God’s job is everything else. Let’s be committed to feeding our faith and fueling our healthy perspectives.

Colossians 3:15-17(ESV)-- ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

John 16:33(ESV)-- I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:4-7(ESV)-- ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.