The Fight Against a NUMB Heart

By Bunni Pounds

Living in Dallas County, we are in the center of the storm here in Texas. We have the most cases of COVID-19 in the state. They are preparing the Dallas Convention Center to be a makeshift hospital with 250 to 1,250 beds. Also the Texas National Guard has moved into town at the direction of the Governor.

Many of us have been limiting our exposure to people outside of our homes for almost a month now (I know the rest of the state is still catching up with us).

Businesses are suffering, non-profits are suffering, churches are suffering, and life is NOT normal.

Many of us, after hearing the President’s news on Sunday that we will need to follow the “social distancing” guidelines through the end of April, were a little disheartened. Although I knew that the news was coming, I too was disheartened.

It is natural to feel disappointment in a situation like this. We miss people, our favorite restaurants, work, our prior lifestyles...

I was on the run constantly - speaking and now I am writing - wondering if you care at all about anything I am writing about. I can’t see your faces, it is frustrating!

It is also hard to not just NUMB ourselves out to the frustrations, fears, and pain, but that is NOT what we are called to do as believers in Jesus.

Yes, we can watch some Netflix (Gilmore Girls or Blue Bloods, anyone?)

Yes, we can eat and drink (but with two little words called “self-control.” Yes, those words are in the Bible…try the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5).

But I believe the word for the moment is to not allow your heart to become NUMB.

Believers in Jesus, don’t disconnect from Him.

Unbelievers, don’t look for fulfillment and entertainment in everything that doesn’t satisfy.

For all of us - there is only ONE who satisfies the deep longings of your heart and really understands the pain you are in during this time. His name is JESUS.

How do we confront a heart that is numb?

One that doesn’t feel anything, that doesn’t want to connect with others, or the heart that doesn’t want to weep.

Here is the remedy to produce a heart that feels, that cries (tears are so healing and VERY Biblical, by the way), and one that LOVES.

Are you ready for the answer?

I don’t think you are.

Watch and PRAY.

“Ugh!” I heard you groan.

“There goes, Bunni, with the prayer thing again!” - I heard that thought!

Forget about me, let’s look at the Word of God.

“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” Mark 13:33

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36

“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” I Peter 4:7

What does that mean - watching and praying?

We are supposed to be discerning the times, asking God what He thinks about it, going to His Word, and watching our own hearts responses as well.

So, when I became frustrated on Sunday after learning about the ADDITIONAL 30 DAYS of staying home, what was really going on in my heart?

I had to ask myself that question. I had to WATCH and PRAY.

One thing I am doing every day during this crisis is crying out for GRACE. I need God to come and wake up my heart. I need His strength to even seek Him. I can’t do it on my own.

Grace is the empowering presence of God to enable us to live out the call of God and the purposes of God for our lives.

He doesn’t want us NUMB. He wants us alive, free, and feeling in HIM.

One of my own pastors sent out an email this week that really resonated with me.

Here is an excerpt of the email from Pastor Kevin Tipps:

“As this shutdown continues, we can find that with it comes a sense of sluggishness and dullness on the inside. If you happen to find yourself feeling aimless or simply bored, it is understandable. However, it is also dangerous to remain there. I want to encourage you to focus on being intentional and disciplined in the following practical ways: 

1. Set a schedule for yourself (and your family) to balance work, rest, play, and relationships while also making sure to screen time. 

2. Get some form of exercise daily. 

3. Make a point to connect with someone every day.

4. Start the day in Prayer. 

5. Explore a new hobby or revisit an old one.

Pastor Kevin continued about prayer: “Prayer consists of three things: Scripture, talking to God, and listening/waiting on Him. All three are important. Get up, grab some coffee, and get to praying in the scripture before jumping on Instagram, watching or reading the news, retreating to your home office to get work done, etc. If you don’t already have a habit of journaling, I encourage you to start during this time. “

I love this practical advice to keep our hearts alive and focused on what really matters.

My heart says that many of us are going to learn disciplines in this time that will bear much fruit in our lives for the years to come.

It is a sober time. Let’s cry out to God for a heart that is alive. Let’s fight against numbness and complacency.

It is time to watch and PRAY!

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