What do we turn to when everything becomes dark? When the overwhelming noise of our world becomes suddenly silent?
I was playing a game online with some friends when all of a sudden the house went dark. Not a simple darkness, but hard to see your hand in front of your face kind of darkness. The power had gone out and left us in silence, so I went upstairs and Mom lit candles around the house. Pinpricks of light that illuminated the dark, surprisingly bright for such small flames.
Once we all slowed down the silence settled in. A deep encompassing silence, the outside world unknown in the moment. A breath of fresh air from the drowning noise of daily life, constantly fighting for attention.
It reminded me of a spiritual discipline I learned in a class at MidAmerica Nazarene University. That spiritual discipline was simply to “rest.” To slow down and become aware of the present moment, enjoy it, find rest, peace, and look for God in that moment.
Even the benediction Pastor Billy likes to send us out of service reflects this idea of the peace of God.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’’
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
Even in these times of hardships with the end out of sight, we can feel secure knowing God will provide a way through.
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
Jeremiah 33:6 NIV
The background of this verse is a time of war, famine, and plague in Jerusalem. Babylon was attacking to seize the land and the people, and they would succeed. Yet, the LORD promises to bring healing and bring the people back to a place of safety.
I believe God will heal this land and people and once again bring safety not just to our nation, but our world as a whole. This virus is not stronger than our God for his power stands beyond the creation of this world.
As a prayer for all of you, may God grant you peace and security in these times. Comfort and love for the families of those who have passed on, and hope for the future of tomorrow. Amen.
-Blake Gorton
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