Finding Rest During a Pandemic

By Steve Meeker

Praying you will know Jesus' rest in the midst of the coronavirus crisis and learn to trust Him more.

In the current worldwide crisis, how do we keep going as wave one gives way to a second wave of a pandemic? What may have looked far off to us at the beginning of the year now has impacted those we personally know.  Worldwide, life has been altered and coronavirus has squeezed us like a tube of toothpaste as the months drag on in 2020. 
 
Stuck at home, minds wander to, “Will this ever end?  When I wake up, where can I go or should I go as I might catch COVID-19? If I catch it, will I spread it to the ones I love? What do I hold onto as our world is shaken?” 

My emotions might cry out to running away or fighting for my rights in the midst of the anxiety, frustration or even fear; however, my heart calls me back to words of comfort in crisis. 

Walking down to a river and hearing a chorus of birds these life-giving words calm my soul, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB).

Awakening a renewed perspective, the weight of the crisis begins to fall from my shoulders as I lift my voice up to God in delight that He knows, He sees, and He guides. This crisis is not bigger than Jesus who loves me. What does He want me to learn? 

My meditation on these verses leads me to the answer, “TRUST GOD!”

Meandering further down this river trail, I sit down gazing into the water and another passage fills my mind, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart,” (Psalm 37:4 NASB).

Lord, how do I delight in You in a world struggling with fear? Walking in our community, behind the masks I see it in their eyes. Teach me to delight in You. Help me to not forget what it means to draw close to you no matter what life brings.

A twitch of a fin catches my eye as I spy a trout resting behind a stone protected from the current. Then in an instant it happens, nourishment floats into its view and with a snap of its tail it propels forward and is satisfied resting back in place behind the rock. 

Again, I raise my voice and praise God for this picture in His creation. God takes care of even the fish and how much more He loves and takes care of His children. In waiting through today’s turmoil, He calls us to meet Him in a safe place and to learn to delight in Him. 

Do I trust You Lord? 

Lead me into those quiet places where I am satisfied only in You. Teach me to walk in faith day by day and to focus on the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Remind us that these passing circumstances give way to opportunity to grow our trust as we learn to wait on You.

Although we don’t understand the why behind our worldwide crisis, may this encourage you to find time to get away and wait on the One who knows, sees and provides as we take time to delight in Him. Lord Jesus, align our hearts with Your will, comfort those who are hurting and fill us with Your peace.

Teach us to rest and trust You more!