When the World Comes to a Halt!

Yesterday afternoon I stepped into a local supermarket to simply pick up a few things—just part of my normal routine. When I entered, I found no baskets or carts available and shelves that were nearly bear.  I couldn’t believe it. I looked around. People were buying up groceries as if it was their last opportunity to ever again shop for groceries.  On the other side of the spectrum, when I had arrived at the gym, just a couple hours earlier, the parking lot was empty, and half the normal crowd was there. Apparently, everyone who was normally working out was shopping—or, so it seemed!

The empty shelves of a Walmart!

Most of us have never seen anything like this before, but it almost seems like our world is coming to a screeching halt amid efforts to contain or “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus.  After all, except for a temporary cancellation, when have we ever seen all professional sporting events cancelled at once? Colleges, universities, and local schools have shut down, with many moving towards on-line teaching.  The service and hospitality industries, as well as the airlines, are being decimated as conferences, conventions, and personal travel are being cancelled at every turn.  Even the lights on Broadway have been turned off. Then there has been the stock market plunge. And, such is not just the case here in the U.S., but nations around the world have been greatly affected—some even more so.  Yes, it feels like our world has come to a sudden stop.

As a pastor, there are a lot of things I need to balance. For one, I don’t want to be negligent regarding the wellbeing of our congregants or the community around us. I wouldn’t want to be a part of putting people at unnecessary risk. Thus, part of my role is to do my best to protect our people and the community around us.  On the other hand, it is my job to help people realize that in spite of what might happen in the world at large, we serve a God who is yet over all things. He has not fallen asleep; he has not been taken by surprise. And, even when our world comes to a screeching halt, he is still at work in the lives of his people.

I love the words the psalmist wrote when he felt as if his world was coming to a halt:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…’Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 – ESV)  

I want to remind you today that no matter what happens in our world, God is still our refuge, strength, and fortress. He is still with us. He is still over all things. He is still our good Father. So, whether we are about our business as usual or quarantined in our homes, we can be still, resting in him, knowing that he is God—the God who loves us and who is always with us!   

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris