Historical or Hysterical

These two words sound similar in the English language, especially if you add a “southern accent” to them! They are very different in meaning. At times when people interpret history, they become hysterical. At other times when people are hysterical, they have ignored history.

I think we are already entering a recession in our country and things will be different for a year or so. If history teaches us anything, it shows that we as a country are resilient! This recession won’t last the rest of our lives.

I’m reflecting on the COVID-19 Pandemic that affected nearly every human being on earth. There was much confusion, misunderstanding and misinformation. There was distrust and sharp disagreement at many levels.

Whatever happens in my world, I want to keep turning my heart toward the Lord. He is consistent. He is present. He dwells in my heart. He leads me. He counsels me. He helps me navigate anything that comes my way.

I was reading in the book of Joel as he challenged the people to pass these stories of hardship on the generations that follow. Check this out…

² Hear this, you leaders of the people.
    Listen, all who live in the land.
In all your history,
    has anything like this happened before?
³ Tell your children about it in the years to come,
    and let your children tell their children.
    Pass the story down from generation to generation. (Joel 1:2-3 NLT)

I wonder what the stories of the pandemic will sound like in ten years, or even five years. Our view of tomorrow is dramatically affected by how we do, live, and think today. I think once we get through things, they really look different on the other side.

When I don’t know what to do or what to think, I turn to the Lord. I listen to His Word, and I hold tightly to His Hand. There are times when I feel called to walk through things. There are also times when I feel Him pressing me to stand still or even sit down.

I don’t know all the stories that will pass down through the generations of my children, my children’s children, or my children’s grand children! I want them to know the Lord. I want them to hold on to His hand no matter what life looks life for them. I want to be aware of history considering today. I want to not become hysterical no matter what comes my way.

Pressing On!

Dwayne