The world feels very apocalyptic right now. It seems as if there’s a new update about the coronavirus every ten minutes. It’s very easy to get sucked into the frenzy. I’ve had the major news sites open since this morning, and I’ve refreshed them countless times, checking for the latest developments.
It’s one of the most uncertain times I can remember. Predicting what will happen next is nearing the impossible end of difficult.
Who would have thought, when we entered this new year, that we would be in the state we are now? Borders are closing, schools are closing, pubs are closing. Flights are being grounded, hundreds of thousands of people are out of a job, hundreds of thousands more are working grueling days and nights to help prevent the spread of this unprecedented pandemic.
For many of us, this is an unprecedented time of uncertainty and worry. Things we took entirely for granted - meeting up with friends for coffee, taking group photos, writing exams - have been cancelled. I’ve seen some people joking that self-isolation is ‘every introvert’s dream come true’, but the truth is that sitting at home all day is neither physically nor mentally healthy. And yet it’s the safest place for many to be.
It’s often in times of suffering that God’s promises are most difficult to believe. But right now is when we most need to remind ourselves of what He’s said.
God’s has promised to be with us. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
He has promised to be our strength. “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13).
He is in control of all things. “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21).
He is always working all things for our good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
The Old Testament is filled with stories that exemplify God’s omnipotence. Over and over, He proves that He alone is all-powerful, that He is in control, that no course of history surprises Him. He knows the past, the present, and the future. He works all things for good.
The same God who divided the Red Sea, slayed armies, cured the ill, set water on fire and carried out history’s greatest rescue mission, is the God of today. He is still in control. This is still His world. There is nothing He does not know.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can find peace in this:
The battle still belongs to the Lord.