A devotion by Karen Rees
“Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.” Matt 8:24
As an author, I know readers want stories filled with conflict, crisis, and danger. In contrast, we like our lives to be basically predictable, free of tension, and under our control.
Welcome to an out-of-control world. Covid-19 continues to spread around the globe, infecting every aspect of our disrupted lives with uncertainty and fear.
Here in Hong Kong, schools have remained closed since January’s Chinese New Year holiday. February saw citizens donning protective face masks and some government offices closing. Many business employees began working from home and a number of churches moved to online services. In mid March Hong Kong citizens began returning from overseas, and the number of Covid cases surged. As a result, all public gatherings of more than four have been banned.
Restaurants are now required to limit their customer numbers. A variety of businesses, including gyms, cinemas, and night clubs, have been closed. The few churches still physically meeting had to cancel their services two weeks before Easter.
Christians here, like those in so many other countries, celebrated Resurrection Sunday in isolation, separated from their larger church family.
God in the storm.
As Covid-19 rips through our world, we could easily feel as the apostles did on the Sea of Galilee in the midst of that sudden, furious storm. Terrified that they were going to drown, they cried out to Jesus to save them. When he commanded the storm to stop, it did. The apostles were amazed that even nature obeyed him. Matt. 8:23-27.
This once perfect world that mankind’s sin broke is now out of our control. In reality it’s always been that way. But it’s never been out of God’s control, and it isn’t now. The empty tomb is proof of that. Rather than focusing on our fears, let’s focus on God.
Praise, pray, and memorize.
Praise God for who he is in song, in reading scripture, and in prayer. Thank him for his blessings, both past blessings and present ones, and for the beauties of nature he’s given us.
Pray – not just for ourselves and those dear to us. Pray also for that non-Christian neighbor. Especially pray for Christians in third-world countries and those in refugee camps who don’t have the luxuries we have: clean water and soap, a dwelling with more than one room, food in the pantry, and access to basic health care.
Memorize scripture. In times of uncertainty and fear, planting God’s word deep in our minds and hearts can bring much needed peace and encouragement. Here are a few of my favorites.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalms 26:14
Beautiful reminder, thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. Yes, times certainly have been unsettling with COVID. We have also had some family issues that have caused stressful situations. I thank the Lord that I had learnt many of these wonderful Scriptures in my younger years including all those listed above. They have been my source of strength and peace in the Lord through these times. I also give thanks to God for mentors He brought into my life in my younger years, my parents, my Church minister, Sunday School teachers and friends and Christian school and camp leaders, many of whom shared these very verses with me. God is indeed “Our refuge and strength” and we need to “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:1,10)