“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18)
Many folk live the quiet life, traveling little, casual shopping when time and simple need requires; no rush. There is always tomorrow after all. Families often live apart knowing that there will always be the usual, or unusual, family gatherings. Weeks and months go by with no real worries about seeing one another again. We hold in our hearts that we will see one another soon. That is life in the norm.
Changes come and go; some changes require adjusting routines for a while, or even more permanent. After a while, no big deal; you go with the flow, right?
But then something of magnitude slips into life unseen, that is, except for the results that it brings with it. Coronavirus; a new plague, at least new to the general populous, changes the routine of all life as we knew it. Isolation for unknown and lengthy period of time is changing life and thought as we knew it.
Now separation causes disquiet. Now we concern ourselves over the questions of, when will we be together again? The timing of gatherings may not be any different that before Corona, but now there is doubt. For families, a few miles might as well be 2,150 miles.
Organizations, such as a church is a family as well. Usually, a church membership is relatively close to the church gathering site. However, when you are in this time of isolation, a few blocks may as well be far away.
These, indeed, are hard times which require some ingenuity and a lot of faith in the presence and love of the LORD. For if we are not careful grief and depression will cloud our minds and motivations and keep us sitting and weeping over things we cannot change for the moment. The presence of God is near to you, beloved. He is more reliable than anything or anyone you are seeking comfort or peace from. Take His hand and rest in Him. He is working things out in this global pandemic. Call on Him in prayer, and trust the One Who calls you to draw near to Him. Praise His Holy name!
O LORD, dear God, I weep and call out to You in concern for the grief and even depression of my dear friends and fellow Americans. This isolation becomes wearier with each passing day for many. Some days feel so hard that we do not know how we can make it through. Stay close by our sides, O LORD, and put the pieces of our fearful, broken, lonely hearts back together. Show us how we may keep moving forward. Deliver us through this season of grief of a different sort; this is a road we have not traveled. Help us catch our breath and breathe again, and to be comforted and encouraged by Your Spirit and the spirits of our fellow brothers and sisters walking the same path of hope and even boldness. Hear my cries, hear our cries, O LORD, and comfort all grieving hearts. In Jesus, Amen.
Beloved, we can do this! Stay connected through the many media outlets available. Encourage one another. Stay physically busy doing what you can. Read God’s Word often, and share what you find with others. And, finally brethren, Pray On!
