Virus: I Must Tell Of The Goodness Of The Lord

   SCRIPTURE:  I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

Introduction

   Has the news about the spread of the Coronavirus made you nervous?

The Coronavirus, which began in China, has spread around the world. The World Health Organization has labeled it a pandemic, meaning it's dangerous and quickly spreading across the globe. At first, we watched with sadness as we learned of the thousands dying in China. When we heard reports that the virus had found its way to other countries, we became more concerned for those on cruise ships or trapped in vacation spots, now vulnerable to a disease that seems unstoppable. We knew that it was coming close when the entire nation of Italy went on lockdown.

   Some felt safe in the United States because the ports were closed. In addition, immigration entry points and airplane flights were shut down, canceled, and closed. Then we started to see the reports of the snowballing presence of the virus inside the United States. The blame game began. Democrats blamed the President. The President blamed Congress. Everyone started blaming everyone else.

   Still, many people were reluctant to accept the seriousness of the problem; that is until it started to touch home. All airplane flights to Europe, major parades along with political rallies and marches were canceled. We knew it was really serious when the NBA shut down its remaining games, the stock market crashed, and some Mega churches switched their worship services to online venues.

The Center for Disease Control is working with the World Health Organization to slow the spread of the disease, while scientists develop an antivirus to stop its growth and a vaccine to prevent its reoccurrence.

  While the world waits, what should the faithful do? We should follow the safety instructions we have been given and trust God for deliverance. The Biblical record indicates that when the death angel came through Egypt that the faithful were told to mark their doorways with the blood of the lamb, prepare a meal, and wait for the salvation of the Lord. There was weeping and wailing all around them. Even some in Israel who did not seek the protection of the blood were among the mourners. The record also indicates that Noah's family was instructed to come into the ark because an unseen storm and flood was coming. The family followed God's instruction and waited in a year-long quarantine until it was safe to walk on dry ground. The record also reminds us that the disciples were on a boat in the middle of a storm, and someone asked Jesus, "Carest thou not that we perish?" Their faith was renewed when Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and said: "Peace be still."

  While we wait for this terrible pandemic to pass, the faithful must not faint. Even in challenging, frightful, and terrifying times, God is still good. He is in control. Working through the great minds of the world or on his own volition, God will speak to this pandemic as he spoke to the cholera pandemic of 1899, the Spanish flu of 1918; the Hong Kong flu of 1968. He spoke, and Ebola, HIV, and SARS were identified contained and are now under control.

  We wait because, unlike epidemics, a pandemic is worldwide, and there is no place to hide.

  We wait because pandemics have novel or new components with no known vaccines. It takes months to develop vaccines as we know it comes to a halt.

  Even while we wait, we remind ourselves of the goodness of the Lord.

  Even while we wait, and follow medical instructions, we know no disease or force on earth can destroy the people of God.

  Even as things go wrong, we remind ourselves that God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.

  As Christians, we remain faithful that our God is able to deliver us from whatever temptations and frustrations we face. As we wait in faith, those who have weathered many storms remind us, "This too shall pass.”

Exposition

  This text reflects on David's explanation of how he emotionally survived difficult times by leaning on his faith in God.

  There are 150 Psalms, most of which were written by David, Moses and an assortment of worship leaders, under the inspiration of God. The Psalms deal with every emotion known to man, but to deal with those emotions in relationship to God. They show us believers who bare their souls before God as they experience anger, love, fear, anxiety, doubt, shame, worry, and a plethora of other emotions.

  This Psalm addresses the spiritual soul when it has reached a point of uneasiness. It raises and answers the question, when do we trust God, completely and wholly to the point that we are at peace regardless of the situation.