Preparing for Easter During a Pandemic

As the coronavirus continues its deadly rampage, it is extremely tempting to let anxiety, dread, and worry take over. As we approach Easter, normally a time to celebrate miracles and renewal, we may instead feel disconnected from our faith.

These are natural reactions. After all, we are human. But we were created by an awesome God. Since He created us, He knows our limitations and our stressors. How, then, do we understand what our reaction should be when presented with a chaotic world at what is normally such a blessed time?

A simple two-word phrase has presented itself in my daily life recently, and I am taking heed. Perhaps it is meant for you, too.

The phrase? Be still.

I am in a small Bible study in town, and I miss the comfort and fellowship with my friends as this strange and uncertain time drags on. One of my friends in my Bible study dropped off a Christmas gift in December — a beautiful pottery coffee mug adorned with part of Psalm 46:10 written in cursive:

Be still and know.

I sip my coffee almost every morning from this mug, ponder that phrase and feel it resonate deep within my heart. When another close friend told me that her whole family was coming down with the coronavirus, I went to my cabinet and pulled out my mug, staring at it. It quieted my concerns and opened the pathway to prayer.

Yesterday, another friend reached out; this time, a college friend. She sent me a YouTube link to a short sermon given by a blind woman who explained that she was reading her notes in Braille. What was her message? It was taken from Exodus 14:14 when Moses was reassuring the Israelites.

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. (NIV)

Again, the clear message to be still! Considering our longing to be of service during the chaos around us, why would God beckon us to first be still?

Because He’s got this. And He will direct our actions, thoughts, and prayers — if we let Him.

Our God is mighty, loving and infallible. He is allowing this virus, so He has a plan. On Easter Sunday we celebrate His son Jesus Christ rising in glory from the dead, fulfilling Scripture. What is the message in the resurrection? God is in control, powerfully and with finality. And the righteous have the promise of eternal life, which no earthly force can put asunder.

Remember who is in control during these troubled times. Not the virus, but our Lord. Whether in our bedrooms or backyards, watching online services or praying quietly in a favorite chair, this Easter we will celebrate the resurrection of Christ our Savior, freeing our hearts to be still and know where all true hope lies.

Lord, gather us to You in our time of trouble. Help us to be still and look to you for all assurance and hope. Be with the sick in a powerful way, and guide and comfort our leaders, doctors, nurses and first responders during this pandemic.

Bible References on Trust in God:

• Lean not on your own understanding: Proverbs 3:5-6
• I entrust my life to You: Psalm 143:8
• God hears anything we ask for: 1 John 5:14
• God is our rock and refuge: Psalm 62:7
• Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe: Proverbs 29:25

Copyright © 2020, used with permission.