How many of you have stopped mid-email/text because things have been changing so quickly? I raise my hand as I write out this update.
For the whole earth, we are ALL in a new world in a short span of 30 days. Do you even remember what you were doing at the beginning of March??
The virus reached Burundi this week (3 confirmed cases). Some preventative measures were already in place prior to the “arrival.” The airport was closed for international flights. All visitors from Europe were placed in a 2-week quarantine. Hand washing stations were at every public place. Elbow bumps replaced the traditional greetings of hugs and handshakes. Today, many services are still operating; schools and businesses are open, churches gather for weekly meetings, and public transportation is running. The airport remains closed and visitors to the country are subject to a 2-week quarantine (regardless of nationality). Social distancing is extremely difficult here with so many people and such tight living quarters. Daily life requires public transportation, open food markets, and social interaction to generate various incomes.
It is difficult to know how to operate in such a context. While many things function normally here, I read stories from around the world where everything has turned toward isolation. Previous freedoms are now cherished luxuries. I’m asking many questions (as I’m sure you have in the past month) of this surreal situation; do I stay home and keep a distance while most of the country continues to function? What size crowd should I avoid? Does traveling to the school put the kids and teachers in danger? What are my options for health care?
During this time, I’ve found presence in Psalm 22.
- Verses 1-2: The opening verse reminds us of Jesus’ plea on the cross. We see the fear of abandonment carry into verse 2.
- Verses 3-5: We are reminded of how past generations faced difficult circumstances and how God remained true.
- Verses 6-8: Again, the psalmist drops into the pit of despair for a desperate situation.
- Verses 9-21: We read of submission and the testimony of total dependence on God.
- Verses 22-25: The psalmist rises to fervent praise. Even in his time of suffering we read his praise for a God who has proven to save His people, generation after generation.
- Verses 26-31: The final crescendo from the psalmist turns outward to the world. Declarations and prophecy are spilling out of a once desperate voice from the first 2 verses. The WHOLE earth will acknowledge the Lord. ALL families of the nations will bow down. Generations to come will hear about this Mighty Lord.
What can we learn here? Who is our God? What does He have for us during these times?
What questions are you asking these days?
