The first casualties of upheaval can be love, kindness, and patience. But crisis is also a moment when love for God & one another can spring up. For 150 days, starting on 17th March 2020, I will write 300 words based on one of the 150 psalms in the bible. How can I find and give love in the midst of coronavirus?
For some people, lockdown is a wonderful opoortuinty to finally get some peace. At last, the rest of the world is doing what you want to do – stay home and do all the things that you wish you had more time for. My nephew is loving it – he’s staying in, playing X-Box and only having as much interaction with other people as he wants.
For others it’s the worst thing. No personal contact, no hugs and hours of time alone. Aaaaarrrgh!
However, the novelty is wearing off. The emotional pressure of the new situation is starting to be felt. The challenges of juggling responsibilities are getting heavy. Emotionally anxiety & loneliness may be growing. We may need some help – so let’s pray. Psalm 17 says this:
6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. 7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. 8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings 9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
Our foes, our enemies are not primarily other people – they are the coronavirus, anxiety, isolation, financial pressure and stress. We need God to hear our prayers for help – and we need to know that we have refuge with Him, that we are under “the shadow of His wings”. Let me encourage you to pray for this, confident that God will find a way to answer.
Have a blessed day. Love Matt