“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Trying to keep my 68 year old mother in the house during these COVID-19 times has felt like a full-time job. Given her age she has higher risks associated with the virus if contracted, and because I’m her child I can’t tell her anything. (Prayers please!) Friends and family of mine in school systems have been working around the clock to determine how to still provide learning equitably even though school buildings are closed as learning must continue. Another friend who provides affordable, organic groceries to low-income families with limited mobility has had their operations suspended and is trying to figure out to help feed the hundreds of people who cannot physically get to a food site. Others are unable to visit their parents because the assisted living facilities have suspended visitors in order to protect their residents. It is really easy to lose hope in these uncertain times.
The Greek words for hope and wait, both have “expectation” as a definition. This is why some Bible scholars say that whenever we see “hope” in the Bible we can exchange it for “wait” and whenever we see “wait” in the Bible we can exchange it for “hope.”
Our entire way of living has been completely flipped on its head. Each of us is adjusting to new systems, new rules and regulations, new ways of interacting with loved ones, new ways of being. The effects of COVID-19 are going to pass in time. There will be a waiting period though. As believers in that time, we can choose to be filled with despair and fear or we can put our hope in the Lord and believe that this too shall pass. In the meantime, let’s exercise wisdom and pause on business as usual to ensure the safety of humanity including ourselves and loved ones. We can also use this time to model Christ’s love by checking in on those members of our community who have always been isolated, and will feel the pinch of this pandemic in a more significant way.
It might also benefit us to limit our intake of the news to no more than 10 or 20 minutes per day. Matthew 6:22 records “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” What we see actually influences our thought pattern, mood, and mental health. Consider protecting your eyes during this time in order to keep hope alive. These times can be exhausting, confusing, and challenging. Have an expectation in the Lord that things will get better, and watch Him give you strength and everything else you need to make it through.
Reflection
What has me most worried during this COVID-19 pandemic? How can I have an expectancy in the Lord? Who can I be present for during these times while maintaining a safe physical distance?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for hope. Forgive me for taking my eyes off You. Help me to trust in You during these times. Remove any guilt or shame for choices I may have made during this pandemic. Grant me wisdom to navigate these times. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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