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Monday, March 23, 2020

Biblical perspective in the midst of the turbulence


Some biblical perspective while riding on the crazy train called the COVID-19 panic/pandemic.

1. Move forward in faith, not fear. God is still in control. He’s still sovereign. He’s still omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. He’s still our Refuge and Strength. He’s still our Shelter in the time of storm. He’s still our Rock, our Fortress, our Dwelling Place, and our Shield. We can trust Him now just as always. Let’s move forward in faith, not fear. I don’t know much about tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow. So let’s keep trusting in the provision of our heavenly Father to meet our needs one day at a time.

2. Walk in wisdom. If we’ll listen to the Lord, leaning not on our own understanding but following His ways, then He’ll guide us in the practical wisdom we need. Of course that means being sensible about such things as washing your hands, not coughing on people, staying home if you’re sick – things we ought to be doing already. But it also means we’ll be self-controlled, discerning, humble, compassionate, willing to listen to good counsel, diligent, and always seeking to do the righteous thing as we reverently fear the Lord.

3. Pray, pray, pray. Let’s ask God to end this virus and bring healing. Let’s ask Him to grant wisdom to all those who are making decisions – from the President and world leaders to state governors and local school superintendents to medical professionals to business owners, and everyone in between. Let’s pray not only for the health of those impacted by this virus, but for the relational and financial provisions of everyone who is impacted by this crisis.

4. Seek to serve those in need. As surely as we must pray, we must be willing to serve. The needs are many. Let’s look for ways to help our neighbors. Can you go pick up some groceries for an elderly neighbor? Can you offer some childcare for a single mom who can’t afford to miss work? Can you help a spare a roll of toilet paper for a friend in need? Sorry, couldn’t resist. If we’re willing to look with love, we’ll find plenty of ways to help others.

5. Point people to the hope we have in Jesus. Now is the time to turn in repentance and faith in Christ. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Now is the day of salvation. Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). But God put His love for us on display when He sent His Son to die in our place on the cross, so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be made right with God. There’s no better time than right now to receive this gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord, and with it find a hope unshakeable, peace unexplainable, and love undeniable even in the midst of the turbulent ride.

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