What does it mean to respond to God in a time like this. We find ourselves in uncertain times, the likes of which most of us have never experienced in our lifetime. Many are sick across the globe, out of work, activities are cancelled, and we’re encouraged to stay home. I have found myself asking “where is God in all of this chaos?” and “what good will come of this?”
In Luke 13:2, we are told there was a construction accident in Jerusalem, the stone tower of Siloam fell, killing some 18 people. People in that day believed that God caused these things to happen. When asked if He believed that those killed were worse offenders than all others in Jerusalem, Jesus answered with a firm answer, “No, I tell you.” Similarly, Jesus rejected this idea in the Gospel of John, when asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus responds. God does not author suffering. He is in the business of redeeming suffering, bringing good things out of tragedy. I can recount so many times in the valleys of my life where I just could not see his work until after the fact. Even though I know that it has been that way for me in the past, it is hard to acknowledge that fact when finding myself in a new valley.
Where do you feel or see God in your daily life? For me, it is in nature – a sunrise, sunset, a beautiful mountaintop view, or anytime I’m next to a body of water. I can also acknowledge God in a smile from a stranger holding the door at the post office, in the joy of something funny a child says, or in an unexpected compliment. I also feel God and a sense of peace when listening to a choir or a beautiful piece of music. I see God all around me. I attribute joy, peace, and love to God. The struggle is slowing down and appreciating these moments.
So how do we respond to God in times like these? I believe we respond as we are called. We are to love. We are to love our neighbors through this storm, protecting their health and find ways to show them love through acts of kindness. Even if that means staying away from others for a while. I am choosing to pray for my neighbors, some of which are on the front-lines of this illness. I am asking for God to show me ways to love, and help us to see him in those little moments each day. Responding with love and acknowledgement of God’s presence is one of the highest praise we can offer our Heavenly Father.
Many blessings on you.
Be well,
Justin
I offer you two verses of scripture and a prayer that I contributed to our church congregation’s digital worship hour to be published on 03/29/2020.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Heavenly father,
We come to you today with anxious hearts. Things seem unsettled, shaky, uncertain. It seems we are constantly seeking clarity. We want to know all the details. When will this virus subside? We want to know that our families will be safe, that cash reserves will last. We want to know how our local businesses will survive, how our savings and investments will fare, and we want to know when some normalcy will return.
Father, forgive us for our lack of faith during this storm. Lord, we struggle to find you during the chaos. Open our eyes to your faithfulness and goodness that remains. Open our hearts and minds so that we can find creative ways to love our neighbors, as you commanded us. We want to be faithful children. We want to acknowledge you in all things. We want to please you in how we live our lives and in how we respond during this crisis.
We thank you for Jesus. Fully divine and fully human. Jesus experienced every emotion of human life – joy, sadness, anxiety, betrayal, and yes, he too, even felt that you had abandoned him there on the cross. We praise you, oh God, for sending us Jesus to show us that you are a relatable God – you know what makes us tick. We praise you for the promise that you will never leave us, nor abandon us. Help us to be thankful for all that we have. Be with us in the days ahead, and especially with those providing care to the sick. Make your presence known to us. We trust you and we love you. We ask these things in your name, Amen.
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