Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.
Psalm 107:1, 8, 15, 21, 31
“Because of COVID…”
Well, that’s certainly the statement of the year, isn’t it? And it could pester us again at the end of 2021 and beyond.
Like me, maybe your first thought is what this pandemic has cost you and you’ve catalogued all you’ve lost.
Because of COVID, I’ve lost the freedom to interact freely in social gatherings and at church, working that required mask smile into my eyes with greater effort…wondering if the one I’ve waved to is, in fact, who I think he is.
Uh, that is the pastor, isn’t it?
Seated at restaurants (which are still in business), I lean toward the masked waitress, hand cupped behind my ear. “You said which items on the menu are no longer offered?”
The new rule in retail shops is, “If you touch that, ma’am, you’ll have to pay for it.” (Who knew handcrafted, glazed pottery pieces could be so expensive).
Because of COVID, I can no longer …
Because of COVID, I’ve lost…
Because of COVID, I’m restricted to…
But what if I flipped this contagious thing on its head and considered what I would not have if it weren’t for the pandemic?
What if I gave the Lord genuine thanks for COVID?
Because of COVID, what have I gained? (besides a few pounds)
Some thoughts are:
*Ready access to people and events through Zoom without fear of spreading or contracting anything.
*Virtual attendance to events and conferences and celebrations which, otherwise, would be cost prohibitive if travel were added to the expense.
*Closer quarters among family has given opportunity for more conversation.
*The plethora of online church services make listening on the road a possibility that wasn’t available before.
*Grocery curbside pick up eliminates impulsive, end-cap purchases.
Struggle, loss, hardship. They serve a definitive purpose and remind me God is actively at work, whether I see and understand or not.
Because of COVID, I more readily lift my chin to Jesus to see his calm, unruffled—and unmasked—face, raging storms of uncertainty and loss an ever-fading backdrop.
Because of COVID, my prayers have surged to greater depths, my faith in God more precious.
And that’s the whole point, isn’t it?
He is good.
His love is unfailing and eternal.
Because of COVID, I am duly reminded of that.
Because of COVID, I have more reasons to frustrate the enemy, whose time is short (Revelation 12:12), and who, therefore, binges on ingratitude and sniffs around for grumbling.
Because of COVID, I have more reasons to “Consider the great love of the Lord.” Psalm 107:43
How has the pandemic benefitted you? How have you experienced his unfailing love because of it?
Mary
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