Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ –
As you know, I am not a user of social media. During this time of social isolation though, I feel that words of theological reflection may be helpful as you seek to make sense of the sickness, the panic, and the world at this time. My purpose is not to inform you about the virus or what you need to do to not get sick, there is enough people sharing this important information. Rather, my desire is to ask questions like “what does it mean?” and “where is God in this event?” And with that – I shall begin.
One of my primary theological convictions about the nature of God is communicated in Psalm 34:18 which reads – “The LORD (YHWH) is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Thus, logically, times of distress are not times of God’s absence but are times of God’s nearness. The Lord is near to those who are sick, who are hurting, who are broken, who are discouraged, or have fallen down into the hole of depression. The Lord is near!! Therefore, now is the time – in this day and in this season – to expect God to be ever close and at work around you. Look for Him though not in the big events covered by the news media, that is where most people expect to see God at work, but in the very small things that we so often take for granted. His Spirit may be speaking to you through the words and kindness of a friend, a reminder of His providence can be heard in the sweet sound of the bird outside your window, or Lord’s hand of grace and power may touch you as you open the Bible and spend time in it.
To escape the spread of the virus that plagues this world we are told to take refuge in our homes, to shut ourselves in and hunker down until the worse is passed. Indeed, following the advice or our medical professionals is very important for the health of the body, but we are more than just body. We have a soul out which comes the longings of the heart. How do you care for your soul in such a time? From the same Psalm as quoted above (Psalm 34) we are also told, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD (YHWH) is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8 ESV). It is through the enjoyment of the Lord that your soul is fed.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Trent Eastman (3/17/2020)
Concerning the Word of Life 