Oh my! Where do I begin on this final Monday of the fourth month of 2020? In the past three days, I’ve shared in the grief of those whose loved ones have made their final address change. I’ve listened to ones dear to my heart share daunting medical diagnoses. I have struggled with the decision of state governing authorities to modify restrictions imposed for public safety during this pandemic, thinking it’s too soon; we can wait awhile longer. The statistics are not yet where they need to be; we should err on the side of caution as much as we can. And with the rest of the world, I was rendered speechless by comments from the lips of the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington, DC. “Donning” the white coat of a physician, he generated earthquake like tremors with a rambling commentary about the possibility of treating COVID-19 through the ingestion or injection of bleach and other household disinfectants. In one breath I say, “Only in America!” And with another I counter, “But God!”
As I wondered what words might bring hope or encouragement today, not just to those I mentioned above, but to everyone confronted with similar concerns, I realized all I need do is open the book. “What book?”, infant believers may be asking. To which senior saints reply, “the Bible; what other book is there to steer us through times like these?”
There’s a saying common among many Christians. “Sin is sin,” someone will comment when conversation about wrong doing ensues. The phrase, “Death is death” came to mind as I thought of the aforementioned “ordinary” deaths from heart attacks and old age and the “extraordinary” deaths from COVID-19. Though the pain of death stings irrespective of cause, somehow the latter deaths have taken on an aura of their own. Maybe it’s the mounting numbers posted daily that make them seem more sinister, and harder to comprehend.
Today, to all who are walking in the “shadow death,” I quote these words from the Book as consolation and hope: “for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2), “He (the Lord) will swallow up death forever.” (Isaiah 25:8) and “Where, O death, is your victory. Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) Facing the death a of loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences; but we who believe in a Savior who died, arose from death, and lives even now have the assurance of eternity that comforts, sustains, and gives us peace as we move through our time of grief.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is my mantra, my go-to scripture whenever I’m confronted with making a decision. I think it holds water especially during this period of “stay in place” relaxation. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.” Regardless of what governors and others pronounce, these words ought govern your actions. I know it to be true that whenever I must decide to do this or that, when I go to God with that decision and wait upon the moving of His Spirit, I make better choices. He’s yet to fail me in this regard. It goes to the matter of trust. Christians are folk who profess to believe in and trust God. If you allow Him to, He will guide you during these times; you will be led by His wisdom and discernment.
And finally, I call your attention to Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death... ” It’s a reminder that when foolishness is uttered, we must be wary and not give credence to everything we hear; especially if the person speaking has zero credentials to support what he/she is saying. As incredulous as the statements uttered during that press conference were, I am not surprised by them. Read Proverbs 18:6-7 to see why.
Love. Joy. Peace.