Our nation and the world are facing a global health and economic crisis unlike anything we've seen since the Depression and WWII. Fear and panic are rising everywhere, as people face a ruthless disease that is not only taking many lives, but at the same time, taking down the global economy.
As I've been reading and pondering daily news updates, the Lord keeps bringing me back to Psalm 46.
1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Though the world is greatly shaken, and even though we, too, may be shaken at times, our God and Father is not. The Coronavirus Crisis has not taken Him by surprise. He is still the Sovereign Lord. He is still on the throne. He is not biting His nails. He is not wringing His hands. He is in control. He is working all things out after the counsel of His will.
By His grace, we can be still and know that He is God!
We know that He can - and will - work all things for good, even those things that are far from good in themselves. Let us pray that even in this dark season the Light of the Gospel will shine throughout the world. May the Lord pour out His Spirit in a great Revival and Spiritual Awakening among the nations and peoples of the earth!
Despite the limitations imposed by the coronavirus restrictions, as followers of Christ, we can still have an impact on our family, friends, and neighbors through a quiet trust and rest in the Lord. We can make a difference in their lives, as we listen to them and offer comfort, love, and hope.
At Bethesda By The Sea, we are currently ministering to others via phone calls, FaceTime, Google Duo, and other means. If you know of ministry leaders who are struggling with the weight of this crisis, please let them know that we are available to come alongside them in any way that we can, at no cost.
May we remember that our "God will not be shaken!" and that "He is here with us!"