We’re five months into a pandemic that has — in virtually every way possible — reimagined our way of life. Nothing is as it was at the turn of the new year, and with each passing month, it’s easy to become increasingly skeptical about the resurgence of what we all once knew to be “normal.”
We’re turning to politicians in both parties, and they’re failing us. We’re looking to medical experts of every persuasion, and they’re confusing us. We’re flipping back and forth between news stations, and they’re scaring us.
More than ever, we must remember the church — even when it doesn’t look as it should and while politicians continue to hypocritically restrict our physical coming together. There’s a reason Jesus referred to confession and redemption from Him as the “rock” upon which He would build the church (Matthew 16:18).
The body of Christ — the fellowship of the saints — is a stalwart fortress firmly situated amid shifting sands and ever-changing winds. In it, we can find calm no matter how tumultuous the storm.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the economic downturn, the increasing cultural divides plaguing our country, and the myriad personal crises we face every day, believers in Jesus can find comfort in God’s promise to take care of His followers. He is “a strong refuge when trouble comes” and is “close to those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).
Here are three Bible passages to remember during these confusing days:
Proverbs 3:5-6: Acknowledge God
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
No matter the trial you’re enduring, there is reason to hope, because God is there with you. He promises to never leave you to walk this life alone; all we need to do is call out for Him.
Matthew 6:34: Don’t worry
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Just a few verses before, we’re reminded God takes care of the needs of the birds of the air and clothes the fields that are here today and gone tomorrow (Matthew 6:26-30). Even if the solutions that meet our problems don’t look as we imagine they should, the Lord asks us to simply focus on the present and take the steps in front of us, trusting He will see to it that our needs are ultimately met.
Philippians 4:8: Dwell on the good
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
It’s easy to be discouraged. In fact, it seems to be our de facto mode of operation these days. Our social media feeds, news broadcasts, and email inboxes are littered with things that disappoint us, concern us, and remind us time and again that our collective sense of normalcy has been totally pulled out from under us. But we shouldn’t store up treasures in this life, anyway; it’s temporary.
The apostle Paul told us to look not at the world we see, “but to the things that are unseen.” This reality is “transient,” he said, “but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Even in this temporary home, though, we are called to live out God’s principles, to celebrate what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
We’re five months into a coronavirus pandemic that has redefined our everyday existence. It won’t be forever, but it is for now, and it is difficult.
As believers, we should find solace in the fact that we live on the Rock. Our home is built on a firm foundation that cannot be moved. Don’t forget that, even when “normal” returns.
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” — Matthew 7:24-27