Its not just on the news anymore… all our lives are being impacted by the COVID-19 related community cancellations and scheduling changes in many areas that touch us one way or another. Familiar public figures are testing positive. Grocery store shelves are empty. And yet, God reassures us of His care over us…
Psalm 91 begins with: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
And the same chapter ends with this promise: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Lets remind our hearts that the God who said “let not your hearts be troubled” is still in control. We have seen that He is sheltering us and protecting us and will not allow more than what we can bear, and are under His care no matter our circumstances. God is not the author of sickness… and so His heart aches for us as many suffer for one reason or another. Though there sometimes is suffering, He uses all things to work together for good for those who love God!
Let us not despair (while being socially responsible by not infecting others if we are sick, or unneccessarily exposing ourselves to infection); we can reach out to those who are suffering or have no hope, and need the love and grace of Jesus. In these dark times, the Light of Christ, can shine brightly indeed! The Lord IS WITH His own in every circumstance, strengthening and supporting!