Thankfulness In A Pandemic

In this growing coronavirus crisis, as in any crisis, it is easy to generate reasons for complaint and anxiety. Some are concerned by what they consider an extreme overreaction by the government, news media, and American population. Why are people going crazy and raiding the grocery stores as if the world is on the brink of collapse? On the opposite side of the spectrum, some are concerned that the country has not taken this virus seriously enough. Why are testing kits in short supply, why were some of the kits giving false positives, and why aren’t some hospitals more fully prepared for this crisis? Additionally, most are concerned by the recent volatility of the stock market and the precarious nature of our economy. With each passing day, major news sources and many on social media seem to concentrate on the most worrisome aspects of this strange time. In the Philippian church, there was also a crisis going on. Granted, it was of a vastly different sort and limited to that local congregation, but it nonetheless must have deeply concerned the Christians there and others who knew of them. In Philippians 4.2-3, Paul mentions two hard workers, Euodia and Syntyche, who could not get along with each other, and he encourages the group to help them resolve their dispute. How did he suggest they do this? In the very next set of verses (4.4-7), he encourages the entire congregation to deal with the crisis by directing grateful prayers to God. Friction and frustration do not find footholds within a heart that is centered on Jesus and His goodness. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Whatever the cause of fear or dissatisfaction, there is no circumstance so great that it overshadows the character and accomplishments of our King. Many are fearful and anxious about the inability of human government and health care systems to perfectly respond to this disease. The Christian, however, can dwell on the ancient plan which Jesus perfectly executed to single-handedly eradicate death, the most lethal disease known to mankind. Regardless of what happens to our health, our employment, our retirement savings, or our loved ones, the promise God made to us concerning our bodily resurrection remains intact (Romans 8.11). Our Creator is steadily moving us all towards the time in which we will “take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6.15-17). In all these things we can rejoice at all times. But will we? ~Nathan Combs