Living in Odd Times
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12c
This morning I write from my bedroom, not because that’s where I normally enter a post, but because I am self-isolating. Yesterday I began not feeling good (a bit more than the past few days). Later in the afternoon I developed a low grade fever and so I called my doctor (after hours) and I was put on with a triage nurse (who has been overwhelmed the last few weeks). Pretty much having chest pains, sore throat, and the fever puts me in the protocol - even though I don’t recall being exposed to anyone with a confirmed case. Basically, I need to isolate and stay away from the family until I am fever free for 24 hours. There is not a likelihood of being tested, unless I get to the point of having difficulty breathing (it seems a little odd that we are waiting that long for people to get tested).
I think of the end of Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12 - it seems very appropriate at a time like this, because quite simply we can’t control this virus. I don’t even know if what I am experiencing is the virus or the common cold just a bit worse than normal. The unknown is what is hard to handle. And we don’t fully know what to do against this unseen menace, but what I (we) can do is look to God in all things and do my best to follow the guidance of medical professionals. This is certainly a time to look to God (as is every moment of every day). It is in the here and now that we rest on the character of God. I am concerned for my family (more than I am for myself) - particularly the immune compromised and my parents and Erin’s mom.
I had another topic I was thinking about writing on today, but it wasn’t right for the occasion. At this moment in time I feel like I’m being pushed to trust and rest in the mighty hand of God. It is His hand that holds me fast. It is His hand that will never let me go. It is His hand that is keeping my family and the church. It is His hand that is not scrambling over what to do in this situation. It is His hand that is great comfort.
I think of the song “He Will Hold Me Fast.” It is a song that reminds me of great truths. I know myself and I know that left to myself I could go down a path that turns to fear and worry and anxiety - and it could become overwhelming. These words, and Scripture, ground me to what is good and true and beautiful. May it ground you too.
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.
He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
'Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.