Coronavirus Week One
It's all so strange! As I sit here at church on a Sunday morning, at a time when there's usually a bevy of activity...people talking, kids running, singing in the background, food being prepared, etc. Today there's none of that. The sanctuary, social hall, classrooms, and parking lot are empty. And the only sound I hear is that of cars passing by on the street. Because of concerns about the coronavirus, we all have been forced to suspend many of our normal activities including gathering together to worship the Lord (although we are assembling online and finding new ways to stay connected). It's all so strange and quiet.
Psalm 46:10 says "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Surely this is a call to be quiet and turn our attention to God. What is interesting about this verse is that it was written by the psalmist in the context of a time of trouble and war (reading all of Psalm 46). It is a call for man to stop, to cease striving, and to recognize how great and awesome God is; to humble ourselves before the Lord and know that He alone is our rock and our fortress.
In this time of uncertainty and of forced inactivity and silence, with the minimization of school, social gatherings, sports, entertainment, commercial activity, and yes even church activity, perhaps God is calling us all back to Himself. When so many of our regular activities and routines have been stripped down, perhaps He is refocusing us on what is most important - a saving, trusting, growing relationship with Jesus - and creating space for us to stop, to draw near to Him, and to know that He is God. During these quiet and possibly unnerving times, I encourage you to pray to Him, give Him your burdens, read His Word (if this is new, the book of John is a good place to start), call/email/get together with one or two others to share how you're doing, and find your hope and strength in Him.
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
God bless you.
Pastor Darren
