Read: Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
In recent years, God has given me (John) the opportunity for several hospital stays. Most recently, in February, I became ill on a trip to Mexico, and Doris and I decided to cut our trip short and come home, so that I could get medical treatment in familiar surroundings. Our flight was from Cancun, Mexico, to Dallas, and home to St. Louis. On the flight to Dallas, one of the flight attendants became alarmed at my appearance, and the flight was diverted to Houston. Doris and I spent five days in Texas, as I was treated for a kidney infection, and for atrial fibrillation, at a Houston hospital.
Although this was an unanticipated stop, and not a part of our plans, God took care of me. Doris was with me, staying in a hotel near the hospital, caring for me. In God’s providence, our son-in-law Scott was in Dallas on a business trip, and he came to Houston and remained with us the entire time. The medical personnel at the hospital correctly identified my problems and gave me the antibiotics and other medications needed to recover sufficiently to come home after five days. Pastor Rick was waiting for us at the airport and brought us home to St. Charles. We had the prayers of many people lifting us up throughout my hospitalization. Although I would have preferred an uneventful vacation in Mexico, my illness provided many opportunities for me to be still and to see God at work, protecting me and caring for me.
Today, the world is confronted with the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant financial meltdown, and the disruption of the social order. Unlike some other recent crises, there is upheaval in our daily lives as we are ordered to maintain “social distancing” by remaining at least six feet away from those with whom we interact. Public church services are canceled and online worship is our means of connecting. Dining at restaurants has been halted by government order, and we are urged to have our groceries delivered to us, rather than going to the grocery. We are being forced to “be still,” by government order!
As we spend time confined to our homes, other than for necessary trips to the grocery, the doctor, and the gas station, it is comforting to remember the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:31-34.
31“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Our government leaders and the medical establishment are taking needed steps to try to lessen the severity and shorten the length of the crisis. However, true personal peace during the pandemic doesn’t come from human sources. It comes from God our Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Take time to reflect:
How are you dealing with being still? Although we are not able to meet together publicly, our brothers and sisters in Christ are still available to us by phone, text, and email.
While being still, recognize the blessings that may be hidden in the present situation. On a recent newscast there were stories about General Motors retooling to produce needed ventilators for hospitals and Anheuser-Busch producing hand sanitizer as well as beer. Or the young man who, with his mother, is helping at-risk people in his neighborhood by doing needed errands. Or the two young cellists who moved their practice to the front porch so that a shut-in neighbor could enjoy the performance from her adjoining front porch.
Are there ways that you could assist someone in need?
If you are in need, know that you can call upon your pastors at Salem, as well as your other Christian brothers and sisters for help.
During this challenging time, remember these words of Jesus: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)