“O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water. Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”  Jeremiah 17.13-14

After scrolling through a number of online news outlets, it is hard to miss updates on the Coronavirus. News of the virus is trending all over the world, with over 4,000 confirmed deaths. Much of the concern is centered around rather common signs of infection paired with a rapid contagion. The fear of spreading has caused schools to cancel, sporting events to delay, and some churches to go so far as to ban handshaking (sorry Nick Lazor!). These precautions are understandable.

 As a church, we are responding to these concerns, as well. The first response is to understand how to prevent the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization has stated that the standard recommendations to prevent infections are still the best defense against the virus. These include regularly washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose while sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Health workers also note that it is important to not rub your eyes without washing your hands first. It can also be helpful, when using a public bathroom, to use a paper towel as you turn off the faucet and when opening the door to leave.

In addition to these standard practices, our Facilities Director, Tony Horton, has been using a recommended disinfectant on the door handles and bathroom fixtures that will kill the virus. We are also considering some best practices of caring for one another during this unique season. It is important to understand these responses are not intended to cause fear, but instead, to consider how to care.

While we must be wise and prepared, the most important response to fear is to trust in the Lord. In his devotional book, New Morning Mercies, Paul Tripp says, “The stuff outside you, no matter how troubling, is not as dangerous as the mess inside you, and for that you have the grace of Jesus.” Let us consider these words in the midst of our fears. If that which causes us the greatest anxiety is the Coronavirus, then we may not understand the depth of our own mess. Christ came into the world and physically healed those who were sick, even bringing back the dead. In His earthly ministry, these miraculous works pointed to an even greater healing that Christ brings, a healing of complete restoration with our Heavenly Father. He is the fountain of living water, and He has protected all His children from sin and death. Rest in Him today knowing that you are secure.   

~Pastor Bennett