Over the past few months we have had non-stop coverage of what has now been elevated to a world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are being driven by fear and panic; worried that they will not be able to get enough hand sanitizer, disinfectants, food and water to last for some quarantine time period, and toilet paper. People have started over buying and hoarding products, grocery store shelves are barren, and then there is the fear of “what if one of my family members gets the virus?” The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued warnings for social distancing (6-8 feet), washing hands for 20 seconds, making sure that you cough into your sleeve instead of your hand, and keeping gatherings to 10 to 20 people. The President has issued travel restrictions to / from other countries, and some of the state’s governors and mayors have issued “stay at home” orders; all for the purpose of trying to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some church members have openly wondered if we have “entered into the last days”, and what is on the horizon? Yes, these are troublesome times.
As I recall, when the 9/11 terrorists attacks unfolded in 2001 people began flocking to church services. Many prayers were offered up on behalf of the families of the innocent victims, the first responders, our leaders, and for our nation. Our country had been deeply wounded. Partisan bickering and finger pointing was put on the back burner, and everyone pulled together and comforted one another. And in time, our country started to heal and to rebound.
But what has been our response today? Many prayers have been offered up on behalf of the families of the innocent victims (especially for those who have mortally succumbed to the virus due to weakened immune systems), the first responders, our leaders, and for our nation. Volunteers are helping to deliver meals to those who are shut in (especially for the children and the seniors). First responders are still being who they are – even though some have contracted the virus. The administration and congress are working on aid packages. Businesses have stepped up production to provide medical products. Freight haulers are working long hours to deliver goods to warehouses and stores. And the citizens, for the most part, are doing what they are being asked to do – such as staying at home, reducing the risks of either contracting / spreading the virus further. And in time (prayerfully in a short time period) – our country will heal and rebound.
What should be the response from the children of God during times like these? First, we should remember that the Lord is still in control. He knows everything that is going on in the world. He is still our comforter and our shield – and when we don’t know what to pray, His Holy Spirit helps us.
Romans 8:26-28 states,
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
We also find the following comfort and promises in Psalms 34:1-8,
“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
When we turn to the Lord in troublesome times, open His word, and through prayer and worship we seek His holy face, we will find that God is always there to comfort us and to hear our prayers. But our prayers must start in faith, believing that the Lord cares for you. Sometimes it is important for us to be reminded of the basics.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
