In times of uncertainty

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27. NIV)
In times of uncertainty our imaginations can run wild. We are there now. Furthermore, if we’re honest with ourselves, it’s likely that we are all experiencing some level of apprehension; whether concern for our health, the economy, health of a loved one, or even anxiety about the changes and restrictions brought on through the daily official announcements.
Some people enter a panic zone that makes them irrational and neurotic. That might explain the run on toilet paper in our current pandemic situation, although the hoarders may wipe up in the end if the promised TP restocking doesn’t happen!
My wakeup call came not with the fear of getting the virus, but with how to best live in the midst of it. I admire those whose actions are guided by love of neighbor instead of just self-preservation. I believe we should all follow their example of responding to human need and suffering.
At the same time, we are learning that with the current situation, compassion includes being aware that each of us can also be a conduit for the virus to spread. However good our intentions might be, we could in fact be putting lives at risk.
So, what should we do? I’m led to follow what Martin Luther said he would do in his advice to the Rev. John Hess in dealing with the Black Death Plague in the 14th century.
First, he said he would ask God for protection. Then he would fumigate and disinfect himself and his environment. He would avoid places where he was not needed in order not to risk becoming contaminated and thus possibly infecting others as a result of his negligence. Luther went on to say, however, that if his neighbor needed him, he would not avoid the place or person but would go freely to do what he could do to help (using the aforementioned disinfecting precautions). If God wished to take him, Luther stated, God would surely find him wherever he was, but he would have done what God had expected of him.
I believe it’s important for us to remember that this world is a messy place, but apparently there is no place that God would rather be than here with us. As Christ-followers we’re all in this together and Christ is right in the middle of things with us. While we may be physically distant, we are still connected through Him and our care for each other. This gives me assurance and peace even in the midst of the current pandemic and the uncertainties surrounding us. Praise be to our ever-present God and the fellowship of believers!
''Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'' Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)