Church Engagement

Cabin fever is real, y’all!

If you’ve ever spent time cooped up inside for a significant duration of time you’ve probably experienced “cabin fever” — the irritability and restlessness that typically results from isolation.

COVID-19 has changed how we do life.

At least for this given season. And chances are, even once restrictions are lifted and fear subsides, there’ll remain lasting change in its wake.

As we walk through this new season, practicing social distancing, we’re experiencing life in an entirely different light.

Grocery store shelves are left bare. Restaurants are offering curbside pick-up and delivery in hopes of staying afloat. Schools are closing for the remainder of the school year. And during a time no one is traveling, gas prices continue to be reduced.

So, during a time without schools, movie theaters, shopping centers, arcades, parks, and in-person church gatherings, how do we keep from cabin fever-ing? How do we cabin thrive instead?

To thrive means to prosper or to flourish.

Just as a plant must be watered to thrive, we must be watered; we, too, cannot thrive without being nourished. And just as our bodies hunger and thirst, our souls hunger and thirst for spiritual nourishment.

The irritability and restlessness of cabin fever is just that — our soul hungering and thirsting for something more nourishing than that of the temporary sources we’re currently seeking fulfillment from.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.

(Psalm 42:1)

These things can be great .. but there are limits. We will not find long term satisfaction through these means and will soon find ourselves thirsty once again. But just as Christ explains to the Samaritan woman in John 4, when we drink from the water of life (Jesus) we will find our thirst is quenched for eternity rather than temporarily.

Scripture describes God as “the fountain of living water” (Jeremiah 2:13, 17:13). And from the fountain comes water — a necessity for sustained life.

God is our source and Jesus is our nourishment. To be nourished we must seek it through the source from which it dwells. We must seek the Lord!

“They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem.
    They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts—
the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil,
    and the healthy flocks and herds.
Their life will be like a watered garden,
    and all their sorrows will be gone.”

(Jeremiah 31:12)

“But now, listen to me, Jacob my servant,
    Israel my chosen one.
The Lord who made you and helps you says:
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant,
    O dear Israel, my chosen one.
For I will pour out water to quench your thirst
    and to irrigate your parched fields.
And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants,
    and my blessing on your children.
They will thrive like watered grass,
    like willows on a riverbank.”

(Isa. 44:1-4)

• Read through Proverbs with us as a church. Follow along on Facebook & Instagram.
• Find a Bible Study method that works for you. We like the S.O.A.P. method.
• Schedule time with God every day. If this is a new concept for you, start with 5 minutes. Often we set such high expectations for ourselves we become disappointed and discouraged when we fail to meet those expectations. So, start small and work more time in every day. You’ll likely realize it becomes more natural to spend time with God. And remember, you don’t have to talk the entire time. God wants to speak to you, so don’t hesitate to sit in silence and just listen!
• Worship at home. Whether you choose to listen to the GraceFCLawton Spotify playlist or another favorite. Tune in to your favorite Christian station throughout the day while you’re cleaning house, playing with the kiddos, or even cooking dinner.
• Check out the YouVersion Bible App. You can read devotionals with your family & friends.
• Take communion. You don’t have to attend in-person church services to partake in the Lord’s Supper. You can take communion at home. Let us know if we can serve you with some communion elements as we’d love to drop some individually wrapped elements off to you so you may partake in communion regardless of where you are.

• Check on your neighbors. Some of our neighbors are more vulnerable to the virus and can’t (or shouldn’t) risk exposure. Yet, they still have essential needs. Ask if you can help pick up groceries, pharmacy needs, walk their dog, pray with them (over the phone), or maybe help them set up their streaming so they can watch church online.
• Fill out our Serve Form and we’ll let you know if anyone reaches out to us with a specific need.
• Keep yourself healthy. One of the easiest ways we can serve others is through the practice of healthy habits — hand washing, cleaning, sanitizing, and social distancing.
• Pray for others. Small business owners, parents now homeschooling their kids, prisoners, nursing homes, healthcare workers, churches, the unemployed, the homeless communities, government officials, etc.

• Invite your family & friends to join you in the YouVersion Bible App. Experience the Bible in community. Invite your community to complete devotionals together.
• Join in on our #EasterAtGraceLawton Scavenger Hunt. This one’s especially fun for families! Drive around town and answer the trivia questions on the painted windows to complete the Trivia Puzzle for a chance to win some great prizes!
• Host online watch parties for Sunday service on Facebook. Engage your watch party with the sermon application questions that will be provided with each weeks message notes.
• Join the Church Online chat when you tune into services on Sunday. Our online engagement pastors are available to chat and pray with you during our 4 Sunday service times at 8:30a, 10a, 11:45a, & 5:30p.

Our Prayer

Lord, may we use our time wisely, glorifying the name of Jesus in all we do. May this season of isolation be a time we thrive in your presence — continuing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.