When you’re down look around and you’ll see I am with you. Look to me and you’ll see I will be there to guide you. Take my hand and I can lead you on for you know: I am the answer, I am the way, I am the promise, and I have called your name.

Mark Schultz

Life is confusing and messy right now. There are so many voices telling us one thing and others imperatively shouting the opposite. The illness that has been looming for so many weeks is just now beginning to take real hold among us – and we’re starting to see even our own friends and loved ones get infected.

We are in uncharted territory for the twenty-first century. We have never experienced anything like this. And we, in our society in particular, don’t like the idea that we can’t fix this easily. That we can’t do everything what we want anymore. That we can’t focus only on ourselves anymore.

What some may not have noticed, however, is that there is another epidemic in our midst: people genuinely doing what they can to help others. Sharing resources. Ensuring that those who don’t will actually have what they need. Displaying messages of hope any way that they can, even as we all stay physically away from one another.

In case you are wondering, that’s God at work.

God did not cause this pandemic. God is not trying to punish us for some particular sin. Contrary to some opinions, that is not God’s modus operandi.

God is still here, though. Walking with us in empty streets. Sitting with us in our homes. Moving us to do whatever we can to spread love in such a time of fear.

We cannot know what the future will hold. But we can rest assured that God is here at work among us. And we can trust in the gifts God has given us – including excellent scientists who are telling us how we can fight this nasty disease. So listen.

Listen to the wisdom of those who know what they’re talking about and stay home.

Listen to the kindness speaking through the words and deeds of your neighbors.

Listen for how God is calling you to join in.