Hope in the unseen

Our world is a much different place as covid-19 has crept into our lives. Today's normal is a pale reflection of what it looked like a few weeks ago. I find myself longing for the multitude of activities that once ruled my time. I miss the simple pleasures of attending sports games for my boys, dinner in restaurants, coffee with good friends, and attending my church. There is now a gaping hole where these were once present. As we all learn how to navigate this new unfamiliar life, it isn't healthy to only reflect on what we've loss. That can make me bitter or jaded. I have to remember that it isn’t about me.

“True Freedom is not the absence of constraints but rather the choice of liberating constraints. We are always bound by something.” –Tim Keller

I think it is important to have a reasoned response to the request to practice social distancing. We should look to the why behind the what. My actions, or my choosing to not go out like I once did, is an exercise in looking to the interest of others. We know that by not taking part in what was so routine may directly save lives or help slow or hopefully stop the spread of this deadly disease. I am protecting myself, my family, and then those that are at higher risk of serious health problems and possibly death.

It isn’t as simple as don’t do these things, or when have we ever found our hand washing to be such a vital part of the existence of others? We will never see any direct correlation for our individual action of hand washing, but we know that it is essential to helping to prevent the spread of this disease. We are all part of the solution both is by social distance and hand washing. We can do that.

 At the same time, we are also given more time to think, pray, and to simply be. Therefore, the internal dialogue of what I am thinking about, what is replaying in my head becomes vitally important. I need to be meditating on truth, or I can be bombarded by the constant barrage of bad or discouraging news. Paul says this, “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good rapport, if there is any virtue and if there is anything that is praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”

 So, as I ponder this verse, I am reminded that there are things that I can be doing. First, I need to be vigilant in not giving in to the fears of the day but to focus on what is true. Uncertainly hangs over all of us like a dark brooding cloud. We don’t hold the answers for what all of this will look like a week, a month, or a year from now. However we are no less in control of our worlds today that we were 6 weeks ago. We are now more keenly aware of that truth. However, we also know the maker of Heaven and Earth. We know and have access to the creator and sustainer of life. We can cry out to him. He invites us to “Be still and know that he is God.” That eternal truth isn’t shaken by the trials of today. His invitation is to rest and trust in him. I have the privilege to be praying more and seeking Him.

  Paul’s emphasis on what is noble and just is a shift to the needs of others. How can I assist those in need? There are countless opportunities to send food to the needy in my city and community. I can find ways to share with those that are needing refuge and supplies. This could be a concerted group effort through a church, school, or other organization. Or, it could be buying groceries for an elderly neighbor or relative.

 I can also stay in contact with friends, family, and neighbors through all of the technologies that are available. Zoom meetings, face time, or text message are easy ways of staying connected. How can I pray for you? How are you doing? What do you need? These are questions that demonstrate a desire to serve and care for them. The focus doesn’t need to be on my personal fears, but to the needs of others. Social distancing doesn’t have to be total distancing. I won't just see them on the other side of all of this, I can and should remain in contact. 

 The example of purity for us is best demonstrated in Jesus Christ. He first loved us. As we approach Easter Sunday next weekend, there is again the reminder of the cross and the empty tomb 3 days later. God’s love for us hasn’t diminished or been erased by covid-19. He is still the same God loving us just as much as he ever did. The purity of his love for me should motivate me to find hope again.

 Lovely things are the beauty that is still around us. I experience that beauty when I sit out on my back porch, listening to the birds chirping, hearing my kids playing, or when I marvel at the majesty of the trees and nature around me. It is the beauty of quietly reading a good book, watching the sunset, or catching my wife’s smile as we sit together. We haven’t been stripped of these things, and we shouldn’t over look them either. We are constantly reminded of the God who gave us these things as we sense those places of beauty that surround us.

So, as we journey through this time of uncertainty, we can remember truths that are older and stronger than any of us. We can mediate on things that reconnect us to God, to others, and the world that he created.

“Open your ears and eyes to the elusive, invisible, silent presence of healing, of the power of God to heal, which moves as quietly as undramatically as the wind moves.” –Frederick Buechner