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.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 NIV
As I write this the world is experiencing a pandemic. Everything seems unsettled and the future is cloudy. People’s lives have been upended. Many have contracted COVID-19 and thousands have died. Even more have been impacted by the economic and social consequences of trying to minimize the spread of this virus. There are likely very few people today who have not been touched in one way or another, either directly or indirectly, by this disease.
People’s responses to COVID-19 have covered a wide spectrum. Some deny that it is really all that bad. At the other extreme are those that say it will cause a major shift in the way we live; a new normal. There are those who see it as a government plot to gain more power over ordinary citizens. Others see it as God’s judgement on a humanity that has turned away from him. Many simply want it to go away so they can get back to work, being with family and friends, or whatever else they are being kept from.
An Opportunity
Without question, this virus has disrupted lives across the globe. But it provides us with an opportunity as well. Our lives tend toward being busy. Between work, family obligations, church and other social commitments, and endless entertainment and recreational opportunities, our lives are full. And we have grown accustomed to having every moment of our waking lives filled with something.
But that comes at a cost. When my life is so full, it is hard to find time to fit God into my schedule. All too often we satisfy ourselves with a couple of hours on Sunday and maybe some other activity during the week. But do we ever slow down enough to just sit at Jesus’ feet for a while. To enjoy his presence and get to know him better?
The opportunity that COVID-19 provides us is time. It is, in some ways, like a timeout from life. Our lives have been put on hold. So, what will you do with that time? Will you fill it with meaningless activity? Or will you take advantage of the opportunity to simply be still and know God?
Be Still and Know That He Is God
I would encourage you to do the later. Join with the psalmist in turning away from fear and anxiety. Know that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in our troubles. Respond to his invitation to be still and know that he is God.
Turn off the TV. Put down the book. Move away from the pantry. Stop whatever you have been doing to fill your time. Find a quiet, solitary, and comfortable location. Still the voices that fill the emptiness. And just meditate on who God is and what he has done for you. It will be hard at first. But I promise you, that if you persist, you will find it well worth your time.
Please do not let this opportunity pass you by.
