Making Time for God

43. In the Light of a Global Pandemic

It's me again Lord,

It's strange waking up each day with the eerie feeling that reading the morning news will bring yet more unpleasant surprises for our world! For the last few weeks it's been something I could push to the side as this new virus seemed so far away but with daily tallies of new cases rising and the community around me panic buying supplies, it's beginning to hit home. The reality is grim for many, especially the elderly or unwell but there seems to be an even greater risk for the population of our world —FEAR!

Many in our world will not contract the virus but live with fear that their loved ones could die and they cannot shake the anxiety surrounding the possibility of their own mortality.

Surely it's at times like this, when the world is in the grip of a pandemic, that we all must look beyond ourselves to the bigger picture. No amount of money, prestige or intelligence can save us from this virus. It has invaded families of heads of government and famous actors, doctors and nurses, alongside of ordinary, unknown community members.

The interesting thing with this virus is the extent to which it invades a person's body and can cause symptoms to hang around for weeks, isolating the victim and possibly their family or anyone they have been in contact with, from the community.  Our lifestyle is taking a battering as possibly for the first time in our lives, major events are cancelled and any gathering of over 500 people, has been banned. I guess this will also impact large church gatherings!

As the population is discouraged from travelling overseas and the world is on the brink of another global financial crisis, are we to give into fear and panic in our isolation? If I'm forced into lockdown, am I truly alone in this battle against a virus?

No, I am not alone because Your Word prepares and informs me better than any media source can! It gives me the truth and that truth sets me free from fear, anxiety and worry! As God's precious, chosen child, I am able to remain confident that whatever comes my way is not a surprise to You! I am blessed because I can trust You to be with me and bring me through whatever valleys are ahead. I will hold onto Your Word like never before!

Thank You that I can put all my trust in You and remember that all Your promises are 'yes' and 'amen' in Jesus!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus knew that whatever happened, He was not alone. Thank You Father that I can have this same assurance:

"Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me."
‭‭John‬ ‭16:32‬b NIV‬‬

Thank You that I do not need to be afraid:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.""
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank You that I have a true place of refuge:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank You that You bring peace into stressful situations:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank You that Jesus won the victory over sin, death and disease as He died on the cross.

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today I will look to Jesus and rejoice, despite what I read about or see in the news.  I will not dwell on negative outcomes but bring my requests to You, choosing carefully what I think about:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lord please bless all who are ill at this time and those who are fearful. May they find healing and peace in knowing You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.