The world at large is now living with one such event – the global coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. One would have to be living
under the proverbial rock not to have heard of or been personally affected by this.
As of this writing, some 665,297 COVID-19 cases are confirmed and 30,901
deaths, worldwide. Public health officials say these numbers will continue
to rise but are unable to say when the curve will flatten to signify no new
cases. Countries have closed borders and non-essential operations to try and curb
the spread, even as overtaxed medical institutions and personnel are caring for
record numbers of very sick patients with less than the essential resources
needed.
No one, it seems, was prepared for the enormity of the
disease spread, nor the danger. It all escalated so fast!!
With lives and livelihoods at risk and no end to the
devastation in sight, fear and anxiety are high. People are confused,
uncertain, helpless, and angry. Everyone is vulnerable and as always happens in
times of unprecedented tragedy, some are asking: Where is God in all this? And
the answer to that question hasn’t changed, GOD is very much present.
Believers should not expect non-believers to find comfort in
hearing that GOD is present in suffering, as we do. GOD’s presence ought to provide
a supernatural calm and peace for you who are in Christ JESUS. (Philippians
4:7) This for you is good news, even as you go through this dark valley.
The good news – GOD is in your trials.
To assume that believers will escape personal tragedy during
this pandemic is irresponsible as well as unbiblical. GOD doesn’t promise you a
blissful, happily-ever-after, trouble-free life here on earth. On the contrary,
His Word says you will have many trials and sorrows. But you also have His
assurance of peace in trials (John 16:33) and His presence as you go through them, whatever the outcome. (Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 43:2.)
In the last 120 years other disease pandemics have happened –
influenzas and cholera, to name a few. Millions died then but millions also
survived to carry on, believers included. GOD provided protection, healing,
comfort and restoration then and He is doing so now, all according to His will.
GOD is forever the unchanging factor in our world, and He’s doing today what He
did before.
Forget that GOD is Sovereign Ruler and it opens the door to
fear and chaotic thoughts. You lose focus and you begin to lose hope. Refocus your
thoughts on the Almighty GOD and His WORD and you begin to feel secure and comforted,
regardless of your actual circumstances.
GOD’s WORD is where you find everything that you need for your time of need.
Know that
all scripture is relevant, not just the “feel good” parts. The Bible tells us
that Everything in the Scriptures is GOD’s Word. All of it is useful
for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to
live. 2 Timothy 3:16 (CEV.) Everything in the Scriptures is GOD’s
Word and is useful in the lives of believers.
GOD understands
pain. So, He provides hope, encouragement, comfort and love through His WORD
which penetrates to the deepest part of your soul and gives you peace. When spouses,
relatives, or best friends are unable to calm your fears and doubts, GOD’s WORD
does. For times of sorrow and conflict, none does it better than the Book of Psalms.
King David
wrote many of the hymns of praise, lament, and petition you’ll find in this Book.
Few biblical characters are better qualified. Personal betrayals, persecutions,
death of dear friends and children, threats to his life, banishment, wars, plagues
– David experienced it all.
These are
some favorites verse references. In some cases, you will want to continue
through the entire Psalm (New Living Translation):
- The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:9-10
- Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17.
- Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Psalm 16:1-2
- I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalm 16:8
- Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4
- The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1
- The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:11
- Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5
- Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:20
- Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Psalm 91:6-7
- Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:6b-7
- It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:8,29
- The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8
- You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Psalm 139:13-14
For all your
trials and suffering GOD has a way to joy and victory. He gives you Himself. GOD
is not separate from His WORD. As you read, pray, and meditate you get to know Him
and His purpose.
Your world may
seem terrifying but know that GOD is able to redeem and restore anything for your
good and ultimately His glory. (Romans
8:28)
Feel free to
question any of it; GOD can handle our questions. But keep abiding and keep
trusting in Him.
Can you understand the mysteries surrounding God
All-Powerful? They are higher than the heavens and deeper than the grave. Job
11:7-8 (CEV)
To be continued…
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our Abba Father, YOU are Immanuel,
GOD with us, Preserver, Protector and Savior over all. You, LORD, quiet the fear
and trembling in our souls and soothe our chaotic thoughts by the power of YOUR
living WORD. Impress upon us a faith that is rich and strong so we can live by
faith, hope through faith and, in all circumstances, have the joy of faith. We
give all glory, all honor, and all praise to YOU and we ask all things in JESUS
name. Amen!
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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