Devotionals are short essays written by GSLC members and staff that explore the ways the Holy Spirit works within our every day lives. There are several ways we invite you to use these devotionals:

Make them a part of a prayer practice - read a devotion and consider the ways that Christ has worked similarly in your life or works in unexpected ways.
Make them a part of a journaling practice - read a devotion and journal about what the Holy Spirit is stirring in you as you reflect on the essay.
Use them as a reminder that God works in all things, the bad and the good.

With over 400 available devotions, you can use these daily, weekly, or monthly. It's up to you! We just hope that by reading these inspiring stories provided by Good Shepherd's flock you are able to better see where Jesus is present in all things! Thank you to all of our members that have provided devotionals throughout the past couple of years!

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church / Wednesday, February 10, 2021

/ Categories: Publications, Daily Devotions

Daily Devotion

The pandemic. Blah. I’m so sick of hearing about the pandemic. I’m sick of talking about the pandemic. I’m really tired of wearing a mask. If someone says, “unprecedented times” or something even resembling the acknowledgement that life is “different” or “not normal”, they can take a hike. I get it. I’m good. Can we just move on?

No. No, we can’t. The pandemic still rages on. Ignoring it will not make it go away.

My feelings of wanting to ignore the current situation are primarily caused by “pandemic fatigue”. I suffer from it just like many others. Maybe it lasts for a day. Maybe it lasts for a week. I could be suffering and not even realize it. I snap at my kids over something trivial or am especially snarky with someone. My muscles are tense for no reason or I get headaches. All the tell-tale signs of stress and anxiety.

Self-care is more important now than it ever has been. The weight of the pandemic, along with the normal stresses of life, are sometimes more than people can handle. Eating our stress, using substances such as alcohol or drugs, or ignoring the situation are not healthy options to cope with our current circumstances. What are we to do?

Jesus models an example of self-care that we can all learn from. He routinely takes time out of his ministry work to go off to quiet places in a time of prayer. In Luke 5:16 it is said that Jesus would “… would withdraw to deserted places and pray” after healing the sick and teaching to the crowds. After feeding the 5000 in Mark 6 “…he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6: 45-46).

The next time you feel the stress of the pandemic weighing on you – that is the BEST moment to take 5 minutes for yourself. Listen to your breath. Feel the connection with Creation. Know that God is with you and that you are loved, even in the toughest moments of your life.

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1 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Chris Nagle

This is great. Thanks for sharing.

2/10/2021 8:58 AM

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Daily Devotion

1 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Chris Nagle