“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;” Psalm 34:15 (NIV)
For many people who are struggling with the effects of COVID-19, life feels like a riddle wrapped up in a conundrum. Most people have been stunned by the collateral damage of COVID-19. They are still trying to figure out how to move forward. Others have resigned themselves to fight for their businesses or their right to assembly. In the meantime, scientists and medical professionals are warning the masses that we need to slow down in our zeal for normalcy.
In truth, no one knows how to deal with such a catastrophe. No one entity has the answer to how people should move forward. Only God knows what the future holds. He alone has the power to sustain us all as we try to deal with this calamity. Therefore, Christians need to heed the word of God in the Bible and trust in his promises.
Many people do not even know what questions to ask. They just want a quick end to the misfortune that has befallen most countries in the world. In their frustration, they are doubling down on the political partisanship instead of coming together to fight a common enemy. That is one of the reasons the devil is having so much success in his demonic plot to destroy the world. A majority of people in the world do not come to God in reverence, humility, and unity to implore his mercy. Instead, they remain defiant in their spirit of sectarianism even during this time of crisis.
The greatest crisis facing this nation is not COVID-19, but the inequality between the poor and the rich. The pandemic has further exposed the division that exists in this country. We yet see how communities of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The unemployment rate in communities of color is far higher, and people in those communities have limited access to quality health care.
God knows the answer to the COVID-19 crisis is not just a vaccine. It is socio-economic justice. For the past two months, this country has been on pause to avoid the spread of COVID-19. However, I believe God engineers that pause so we can reevaluate our politics, socio-economic policies, theology, and sociology. Failure to do so will cause the principles of the Declaration of Independence to become obsolete.
In today’s text, the Psalmist reminds us that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry. Indeed, God hears the cry of women and children that are being abused as they shelter in place. God also hears the cry of those that have lost their employment or their businesses. Every victim of COVID-19 is precious to God. He hears the cry of every person who is mourning the loss of a loved one.
I read the story of a woman who lost her daughter last month and is not able to move on because she did not get to say goodbye to her due to social distancing. The woman asks many poignant questions in the article in her search for answers. Yet the mental health experts had no answer to offer to her. Thus, she remains trapped in her unending grief.
God has the answer for people like that woman. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our Lord is a mender of broken hearts, and a comforter for those who are grieving. He has the answer to all and every question. We just have come to him and trust in his providential love.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and your ever-present help. Please extend your grace and mercy to those who are struggling to cope with the issues of life.
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