Truth and Prayers for These Uncertain Times

Last week, when the cancellations started snowballing, the grocery aisles started emptying and the emails about how all the banks, libraries and churches are responding to Covid-19 started multiplying, I started thinking about what I might share here today.

It’s impossible to ignore the situation, and yet, what is there to say about it that hasn’t already been said a thousand different ways?

What came to mind, almost immediately, was a snippet from a Bible verse I memorized as a kid: “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”

I learned it in the King James Version, so of course that’s how I remember it now. I find the formality strangely comforting, especially in these strange times when “social distancing” appears to be the new norm.

And aren’t you glad that current societal buzzwords don’t apply to our relationship with God? As we hunker down at home, calendars wiped clean and closets packed with toilet paper, the one thing we can do at any time of the day or night is “draw nigh” to our heavenly Father.

Thinking this verse was from Psalms or possibly Isaiah, I typed it into the online search bar and could hardly believe it when I read the NIV translation of the scripture that appeared.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8, emphasis mine)

James is speaking rhetorically, of course, but what a perfect coincidence that hand washing, possibly the only topic discussed more than social distancing these days, was right there in the same verse.

I’ve been smiling about it ever since.

I’ve also been thinking about drawing near to God through prayer, particularly via the words of Moses in Psalm 90. This passage is rich in relevant truth, and it also includes specific prayers that can help us navigate the uncertainty we’re all living through right now.

First, three truths that add a bit of an eternal perspective to our current situation.

• About God (whose sovereignty never wavers): “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:1-2)

• About time (especially when 15 days or eight weeks seems like an eternity): “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4)

• About the frailty and brevity of life in this hurting world (in Moses’ day, and also ours): “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

Next, three helpful prayers.

• As we hold our plans loosely, reflect on what really matters and try to determine the best way to prepare for what may lie ahead: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

• As the walls of our homes start to close in and we’re tempted to let grouchiness or irritation govern our responses: “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14)

• As we look for the best ways to use our time now, and in the future when Covid-19 is (hopefully) simply a head-scratching memory: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17)

Finally, to paraphrase the traditional Irish blessing: “Until we meet here again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash.