Stillness in Panic

 

God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble! There is a river of joy flowing through the city of our God—the sacred home of the God above all gods. God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help. The nations rant and rave in anger—but when God speaks, the earth melts in submission and kingdoms totter into ruin. The Commander of the armies of heaven is here among us. He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us. Come, see the glorious things that our God does, how he brings ruin upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth, breaking and burning every weapon. “Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!” The Commander of the heavenly armies is here among us! He, the God of Jacob, has come to rescue us!

—Psalm 46 TLB1

Hand wringing! Worry! Panic buying! Panic selling that crashes the stock market! Fleeing! All these and many more reactions fill the news in light of the COVID-19 virus.

Though many of us probably will stay healthy throughout this pandemic, we will still suffer the insecurity, the disruption, and the confusion of these days. As Christians, tied to the Rock that is Christ Jesus, we can rest in the assurance that God has this situation well in hand! Nothing surprises Him. In fact, He allows events like this to cause the world to look up, to acknowledge that people do not control things, that despite our great advances in science and technology, He alone still reigns over us as the Sovereign God of the universe.

His word to us in Psalm 46:10 in the KJV tells us:

“Be still and know that I am God.”

This time should bring us to stillness before Him, to peace with the assurance that He ever and always has us in His hands and can take care of us.

Dr. Shirley Mullen, the President of my alma mater, Houghton College, in releasing an announcement of their closures and responses to this pandemic, wrote these words:²

This moment is unprecedented in the history of higher education. In a certain way, it seems appropriate for us that it comes in the midst of the Lenten Season—reminding us once again of our own finitude, our mortality, and our lack of control even over the circumstances of our daily lives. With little warning, the COVID-19 virus has turned our world upside down. Even for those not directly afflicted by the disease, this invisible enemy has threatened to upset our carefully laid plans… it has crushed dreams of overseas travel; it has added new disappointments and disruptions to already stressed schedules. In short, COVID-19 has reminded us that we live in a world full of mystery and unpredictability—and that we are not in charge.

It is my hope and prayer that we will seek—and find—in these unwelcome circumstances opportunities for redemptive creativity and improvisation. May it be that, in the not-too-distant future, we will look back on this season with gratitude for unexpected and yet unseen signs of grace.

Indeed—unseen signs of grace. Let’s all look for them, take opportunities to share Christ’s love with others who may wonder if the world is falling apart, and above all, know that our Heavenly Father, the God of the Hosts of Heaven and Earth always provides His loving care of His world.

______________________

1 Taylor, Kenneth N. The Living Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1971. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2 Mullen, Shirley. Coming to Terms with COVID-19 Houghton, NY: Houghton College Press, March 13, 2020.