Spiritual Eclipse
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
I believe we all survived the solar eclipse on April 8th. The school district had only half a day where I was subbing but I got the chance to discuss this event with the second-grade class. Excitement and off-the-chart enthusiasm best sum it up.
They asked if I was going to watch it. “No,” I told them. “I am going to listen to it.”
At first, they couldn’t quite understand. “Does the eclipse make sounds?” and “What does it sound like?”
I explained that I was going to listen to hear what nature would do and I wasn’t disappointed. Because of clouds, the daylight became as evening; the birds stopped singing. A few crows screamed their warning signals. There were no hungry birds at the feeders. The deer flocked to their feeding place with their noses up in the air—sniffing, snorting, making unusual sounds.
Did you know that it’s possible for humans to experience a spiritual eclipse? While researching for 2nd graders, I found this definition (Google).
In the same manner that the very small moon can block the magnificent sun, extinguishing its light and warmth, a spiritual eclipse can occur when we allow minor and troublesome obstructions—those we face in our daily lives—to get so close that they block out the magnitude, brightness, and warmth of the light of Jesus ...
Our momentary little problems become monstrosities! We withdraw becoming quiet, not wanting to talk to anyone; thus, keeping our anxieties hidden. Yes, of course, there are a few who will rant and rave and go into a full-blown panic (until someone pries them off the ceiling). And due to the infrequent events as such, some will stop eating. Then there will be those who simply wander around, lost and confused. After all, everyone handles a spiritual eclipse differently.
Does any of this sound vaguely familiar? The critters reacted this way, but we certainly don’t have to respond as they did. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).
As we face our spiritual dilemmas, lessons exist. They draw us closer to Him; making us stronger, wiser, and humbler. Teaching moments are precious and full of rich blessings.
Heavenly Father, You are truly our Savior. Even when things are unfamiliar, You are a constant and we are grateful. Teach us to be alert and yet anchored deeply in You. AMEN.