Vincent Van Gogh
Samuel Johnson was one of the most important English writers of the 18th century. He was once asked what the strongest argument for prayer was, and he replied, “There is no argument for prayer.” Prayer, Johnson went on to explain, is a natural tendency. It is a necessity of life.
Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, many within our nation are rediscovering the necessity of prayer. In fact, we are praying like we have not prayed in a long, long time.
For most of us the cry of desperation started when the World Health Organization declared the rapidly spreading Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, acknowledging the virus will likely spread to all countries on the globe. It wasn’t but a week later schools and businesses started announcing closures. The NCAA canceled its much-anticipated March Madness tournament. The NBA, MLB, and NHL suspended league play. Large gatherings of 50 or more are now restricted or banned by the CDC for the sake of the vulnerable in our midst. Each day many of us watch the news from sequestered rooms in our homes. We are reminded – forcefully, fearfully – that we are frail human beings. We are reminded that control of our lives is often not up to us. We are reminded that in a blink of an eye, we may step from this world into eternity.
And this fear of death scares us. It drives us to our knees – where we should have been all the time. And so we pray.
Yes, as a nation, we have rediscovered the necessity of prayer. And this is the divine initiative of our Lord. The One who governs every molecule in the universe says to those with ears to hear, “Do not fear that which can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). And then comes the most remarkable promise. In the next verse, Jesus says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
Yes, while the world is seemingly spinning out of control, our heavenly Father is using our earthly fears to reorient us back to Himself. Just as a corn plant sinks deeper roots during a drought, our heavenly Father is sending us deeper into Christ. Just as you and I abide in the warmth of our homes and give thanks for its shelter during a winter storm, our good Father is using the trials and hardships of this fallen world to lead us all deeper into the loving embrace of Christ.
Jozef Israels
Yes, our times are revealing our profound need for God. But friend, take the lesson to heart. Don’t waste it. This pandemic must be fought and overcome, but it is mercifully revealing the sad truth that we are prone to wander. It’s exposing an uncomfortable truth: Prosperity, busyness, money, and entertainment all too easily satisfy us. They easily dull our spiritual sensitivity. And so what happens to us if they are removed? What do we feel when the world around us turns dark, unattractive, and dangerous? Does it make us feel our waywardness more deeply? Or do we just feel scared and angry?
Friend, if it is more of the latter, pray for the grace to see more of Jesus, to see in this trial his arms wide open, and Him saying, “Come, abide in me.” And if you are able, humbly pray as Samuel Johnson once prayed, “O Lord, in whose hands are life and death, by whose power I am sustained, and by whose mercy I am spared, look down upon me with pity. Forgive me that I have until now so much neglected the duty, which Thou hast assigned to me… Make me to remember, O God, that every day is Thy gift, and ought to be used according to thy command. Grant me, therefore, so to repent of my negligence, that I may obtain mercy from Thee, and pass the time which Thou shalt yet allow me in diligent performance of Thy commands.”
Yes, our times demand such a prayer. Our times are teaching us to abide in Christ. In Christ we are made partakers of all the rich blessings of God. There is sure and certain comfort and consolation in Him. There is the purging of worldly ambition. There is the sure and certain hope that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Sadly, the Coronavirus is here. And yes, things may get worse before they get better. But let us agree to meet it together in Christ, knowing full well that His power is able to heal, restore, and yield the fruit of peace and courage needed for such a time as this. Such has been the response of the church in every age. Death has always been the dark canvas of the Gospel. In Christ believers find the freedom to truly live. May the same be true of us as we move toward, not away from, our community with the open arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.