COVID-19 is now all the news, all the time. Many of the articles and newscasts appear designed to inspire fear and create panic. Dire predictions dominate, not only of people getting sick and dying, but of shortages and an economic depression. With all the closures and cancellations affecting us daily, it’s easy to buy in, to start building our own hoard of masks, disinfectant, and whatever else we determine we can’t live without, and to succumb to anxiety.

But wait. God hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s still in control. He still loves us. Worry is the opposite of faith—a way of telling God we don’t trust Him to care for us (see 1 Peter 5:7). Perhaps all this disruption is a reminder that we’re not the ones running the show. That we need to keep an eternal perspective. Perhaps God is giving us an opportunity to love one another.

They can close schools, cancel events, and close borders, but they can’t cancel love.  While God is caring for us, our focus should be on caring for others. Yes, follow the recommendations to wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and the like. But then, look around to see what you can do to bless others. Need ideas? Here are a few to get you started; I’m sure you can come up with more.

• I just learned that our church has contacted our elderly members, asking for their grocery lists. The staff has offered to order the needed food online and have it delivered—all at church expense. That’s a wonderful way to bless those who need to remain at home right now.
• Do you know people with chronic health issues? For example, we have some friends and relatives who take immunosuppressant drugs, leaving them particularly vulnerable to severe infections. You could offer to run their errands for them, so they can stay safe.
• With schools closed, many parents are scrambling to find child care so they can continue to work. If you’re at home too, offer to babysit.
• In a time of social distancing, it’s easy to get lonely. This is a good time to take advantage of Skype, Facetime, and other electronic forms of communication. We may be avoiding hugs, but we don’t have to avoid people.
• With meetings and other events cancelled, we might find ourselves less busy than normal. Use that extra time to focus on God. By far the best thing we can do is pray. Don’t do all the talking, either. Listen to what’s on God’s heart, so you know what to pray for.

Remember, none of this has taken God by surprise. Consider this yet another opportunity to show God’s love to those around you, and trust His love.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34-34