In order to physically protect ourselves against the dangers of the new COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been repeatedly instructed with regards to hand and clothing hygiene, bodily secretions, amongst many other recommendations.
However, for those who believe in God, there is also another form of protection available in the wake of the new and ensuing chaos. This is the spiritual protection that comes from the Throne of the Most High for those who seek Him:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” Psalms 91.1-4
I am not qualified to speak about science, medicine or politics. However, I can confidently speak about the word of God, which is able to efficiently decipher all the circumstances in the world throughout all the generations, peoples and cultures. This certainly includes the turbulent period we are currently going through.
Many people associate living in safety with the place they inhabit or to the assets the possess but this concept has been completely shaken by the overwhelming threat of the coronavirus. Countries who had a high rate of HDI (Human Development Index), excellent health systems and strong economies, are seeing that none of these have been enough to protect their population.
The reaction that the Lord Jesus said humanity would express when facing certain incidents in the end times is being fulfilled:
“Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21.26
Millions of people are locked inside their homes, terrified of the possibility of falling ill and not even finding a hospital bed or a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe.
Whilst some dismay in fear of the illness, others dismay at the financial recession they are suffering.
The European continent has not been so halted in decades, with its borders shut and one country in fear of what is happening in the other neighbouring countries. If depression is already a grave problem in many European nations, imagine what it is like now after this overwhelming wave of panic and isolation!
For this reason, we cannot stop talking about faith. It is the only power sufficient to overcome difficult times. As much as the sceptics ignore and even mock our words, there is a secret place and spiritual protection from above for those who seek the Lord God in days of crises. He has offered a safe place to shelter us from the dangers of the world and those who despise His hiding place are fools. We do not have to dismay in terror, much less panic, with the news that the economy will fail or that food and medicine stocks are not enough.
We also do not have to try to understand everything and have all the answers because there are interests that are unknown to us. In spite of all of this, we can sleep and wake up in peace, assured that we are being guarded by the God who invited us to hide under His wings.
So, the best form of action in these days is to seek the Most High with all our strength. If you are far from the faith, come back. Repent of your sins and begin a new journey with God. If you already seek Him, intensify your daily communion with Him.
We are praying for the healthcare professionals, who, even though they are exposed to the risks of contamination and are exhausted, still tend to the afflicted who reach the hospitals.
We pray for the infectious disease specialists who bravely work to rescue those who are gravely ill. We cry out on behalf of the scientists, so that they may discover new medications that will fight this disease. We pray, primarily, for those infected so that they may have good recovery and soon be able to return to their normal lives.
We are together in faith with those who are in quarantine by themselves, unable to enjoy the company of their loved ones.
We pray for the elderly and the ones most at risk so that they may keep their faith and the willingness to live, strong.
Know that this difficult period will pass, and we will all learn great lessons from the struggles we are facing.
Today more than yesterday, we have to boldly preach the gospel, for only it is the power of God to salvation (in every aspect) for those who believe.
Contributors:
Núbia Siqueira