Good morning…
I watch the news so I know how to best pray, day after day. I watch different television stations to consider various points of view. I lift in prayer those I see struggling and those I see serving, those I see hurting and those I see helping, those I see reporting and those I see recovering. I suppose I follow in the footsteps of famous theologian Karl Barth who says, “Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”
The Bible is our lens into the everyday life spanning our globe. With Scripture as our main source of truth, we interpret the daily news through the powerful presence of the Almighty God, with the help of the Holy Spirit filling our fragile lungs. We walk down life’s path in conversational relationship with Jesus Christ (who) is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8, AMP). This present pandemic is not a surprise to our all-knowing, all-seeing Triune God. God is not afraid of the challenges that surround us. God knows in times of chaos, we need the Spirit’s calm. God knows in times of uncertainty, we trust our Father to somehow take charge. God knows in times of darkness, Jesus is the light of the world, illuminating the solid path before our feeble feet. The ninety-first Psalm, verses one through four, teaches us how to walk forward with God during these tumultuous times.
Live under the protection
of God Most High
and stay in the shadow
of God All-Powerful.
Then you will say to the Lord,
“You are my fortress,
my place of safety;
you are my God,
and I trust you.”
The Lord will keep you safe
from secret traps
and deadly diseases.
He will spread his wings
over you
and keep you secure.
His faithfulness is like
a shield or a city wall.
I watch the news and consciously pray all of us under the wing of God Most High, the Sustainer who keeps us safe, secure, shielded from harm. What is most essential and most eternal can not be diminished by any disease. Some people will get sick and for some Coronavirus will be their ticket from earth to heaven. Yet God remains our fortress, our place of safety, and our soul is nestled close, surrounded by everything that we need. Will you stay with me, resting in the shadow of God All-Powerful, as we watch the news and together learn how best to pray during these chaotic times?
…Sue…
