The Lord Jesus speaks of the fall of Jerusalem and warns that the time of desolation is near and the people must flee to the mountains. Around us wars are raging and people are suffering. The Corona virus came as a huge shock to us, and within a short time, it has challenged our attitudes and behaviors.

“In one sense, life continues as normal – and yet it is not normal. Should I take the bus? Can I go out for a walk? Should I visit my neighbour or my friend? That cough I notice, could it be the virus? What of the children’s education? What if I lose my job? Are we going to have a recession? How long will this last? Will we ever get back to normalcy again?”

Sometimes, the anxiety surrounding the publicity is as contagious as the virus itself, spreading fear and nervousness among us. In the developed world, the people are in a state of shock. In many ways, they had come to believe that they are in control of their lives, that they have a cure for every disease, that they can fend off all the dangers that threaten their securities. They want to build up solid walls to protect them against unwanted guests, but now those walls have been breached.

Our securities no longer seem so secure, something in our world is out of our control, and many do not know where to turn to.

We hope and pray, that we will soon find a vaccine for this disease, and that it will be made available for everyone, rich or poor. But in the meantime, we can reflect on our shock. It is a reminder to us that we are never in total control of our lives, that we can never eliminate every misfortune or heal every illness.

Ultimately, our trust has to be in something more solid than we can find on earth. God alone is our security. He is our refuge and our strength, a helper close at hand in times of distress’ (Ps.46:1). Trust Him.

Prayer: Abba Father, let me see what is really valuable and what is fleeting. And help me to act accordingly. Amen.