The title of this post is in response to a question recently asked, “How are we going to survive Covid-19?” The actual question should be, “by who’s name do we call on for help, not just now, but for eternity?”
This dark time of Covid-19 has really pulled the veneer away, exposing our own idolatry. This isn’t even just a matter for those outside of the church, either. When many states were ordered to stay indoors, many people realized how much their lives revolved around events, activities, and social life. What’s missing from this check list of life needs? God!
This is in no means to condemn anyone. God doesn’t condemn us, so who can have that power? But God’s word does advocate a call to action that if we fail to take, is a sad choice on our part.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The world is an unfaithful place, especially towards God. But God is always faithful to us. We can’t trust in the securities of the world, but we still tie ourselves to them. People are debating today about whether God is punishing the world right now. But there’s a third view we could hold to. That view is, punishment or not, God is faithful, and his faithfulness deserves a response.
If the response we get back from God to our idolatry is the only thing that motivates us to focus on him, then our situation as his people is at a sad place we don’t want to be at.
There’s a valuable lessons we can learn, action steps to take in this time– turn back to him with all our hearts, full of praise and thankfulness.
Lamentations 3:18-22 shows prophet Jeremiah lamenting over the anguish of a dark time- the people of God were basically enslaved by Babylon. Though he cried out in anguish, he was able to say this
This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not, (verses 21-22).
He praised God even in anguish. He knew he deserved nothing but destruction. The bible tells us that this is true of all men because we’re sinners. But the Lord didn’t destroy but instead, He saved. He didn’t have to do that.
Even in this time, praise him for his faithfulness. Praise him.