A Season of Uncertainty
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1 NIV)
Every now and then a new flu virus comes around and stirs up trouble in our communities. In 2009 it was H1N1. Now, it’s Covid-19. Life has been disrupted in countries across the world including our life in the United States. The good news is that we made it through H1N1 and will make it through Covid-19. Along the way, there will be some chaos and uncertainty.
The President has declared a National Emergency. Businesses, schools, churches, hotels, cruise ships, airlines, and most of all families are affected. People are stockpiling groceries just in case their community is asked to quarantine. Our lives are being strained. There are many unanswered questions. Will I contract the virus? Should I be tested? What will happen to me, my family, or my community? Will I lose my job? When will this end? How do I keep from going into full panic mode? There’s one question that can be answered with assurance and it’s found in Psalm 46.
In this Psalm, some of the most unimaginable horrific life events are described. In spite of these, the Psalmist says, God is my refuge and strength even if the world blows up. No circumstance regardless of how it disrupts life will affect his abiding faith in God. He invites the reader to come and discover God’s love even in the darkest moments of life. He says get to know God for yourself. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46: 10 NIV).
During this time away from the usual mundane issues of life, I encourage you to spend time in quiet reflection. Our security is not dependent on optimal health, material possessions, money, or technology, but in the power and presence of God. With abiding faith in the Almighty Sovereign God, you don’t have to fear plagues of uncertainty. Look for the life stream that flows inside of you. This is your connection to God and remains intact in the midst of turmoil. This life-stream will bring you peace, calm, and joy until the break of day comes. Rest assured. It will come.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day” (Psalm 46:4-5 NIV).
