(Orignial post 3/19/2020- Updated 3/10/2021) 

As a kid growing up in the Central Valley of California, it was always exciting to look out from the back seat window of our family’s white Ford Galaxy 500 at the dirt-covered fields on a windy day and see what we referred to as “dust devils”! They were little miniature tornados whipping along the ground, picking up debris and spitting it back out with the same attitude as their bigger twister cousins. And it was REALLY exciting if you happened to be lucky enough to watch as one dust devil suddenly divided itself into TWO before the wind would suddenly shift and they’d settle back into the ground as what they had been before….just dirt.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve not only been seeing dirt devils this week, it feels like I’ve been the debris that’s been sucked up and flung back out!

What a crazy whirlwind of events it’s been, and I’ve been thinking about what Jesus would be doing if he had lived in this age – what he would think about what’s happening and what he would be teaching us through it all. Would he be sending his 12 disciples out to 12 different stores to make a run on supplies? I don’t think so! But neither would he be silent either. Jesus had a knack of using the current events of the day to teach people about the kingdom of God. So I think he would have plenty of things to say to us concerning the whirlwind that has become known as COVID-19. And I also know he would speak profound peace to our hearts and minds.

This reminded me of a moment in the lives of Jesus and his disciples where Jesus spoke into the unknown and helped them understand his commitment to them despite what they would very quickly be seeing unfold in their lives. It was their last evening spent together before the world would suddenly turn upside down and they would find themselves panicking and running to save themselves out of fear and confusion. After their meal, Jesus washing their feet, predicting Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, Jesus was facing his own inner turmoil….

but he was also filled with compassion for his friends, knowing they were about to face the challenge of their lives, and wanted to somehow prepare their hearts to stand strong.

The gospel writer, John gives us an account of that evening, along with a very tender moment Jesus shared with his friends. They were growing more and more confused and concerned by the minute and wanting to speak into the whirlwind, he says to them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (14:1) He was saying….friends….look at me. Right here….calm yourselves for a moment and still your hearts. I know you’re overwhelmed and confused, but you don’t have to let it get the best of you.

I’m here….you already believe in God. So now, believe in me….just look at me instead of the whirlwind…I’ve got you.

So I say to all of us on this 19th day of Lent….Jesus is here. Right here….let’s take a moment to still our hearts. Though we may be overwhelmed and confused, we don’t have to let it get the best of us. He’s here, so believe in his love and salvation and look at him instead of the whirlwind….he’s got us.

Love you so much,

Shellie ♥

I’m Listening

Chris McClarney

When You speak, confusion fades
Just a word and suddenly I’m not afraid
‘Cause You speak and freedom reigns
There is hope in every single word You say

I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
‘Cause everything You say is life to me
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
Quiet my heart, I’m listening

When sorrows roar and troubles rage
You whisper peace when I don’t have the words to say
I won’t lose hope when storms won’t break
You keep Your word, oh and Your promises will keep me safe

I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
‘Cause everything You say is life to me
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
So quiet my heart, I’m listening

Your ways are higher
You know just what I need
I trust You, Jesus
You see what I cannot see
Your ways are higher
You know just what I need
I trust You, Jesus
You see what I cannot see

Your ways are higher
You know just what I need
I trust You, Jesus
You see what I cannot see
Your ways are higher
You know just what I need
I trust You, Jesus
You see what I cannot see

I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
‘Cause everything You say is life to me
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
So quiet my heart, I’m listening

I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
‘Cause everything You say is life to me
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
So quiet my heart, I’m listening

I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
‘Cause everything You say is life to me
I don’t wanna miss one word You speak
So quiet my heart, I’m listening

Songwriters: Benji Cowart / Chris Mcclarney / Josh Thomas Bronleewe
I’m Listening lyrics © Word Music Llc, Wordspring Music Llc, Howiecowie Publishing, Capitol Cmg Genesis, Jesus Culture Music, Josh Bronleewe Music