God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
—Psalm 46:1–3

Even as we make progress in our recovery from Covid-19, many of us are worried and concerned that we do not pass on the virus to our families. It’s unsettling and stressful. And we simply don’t know how long we will continue to lose our sense of taste and smell, or recover our strength.

When the brokenness of our world forces itself upon us so strongly, the comfort of God’s Word can step forward even more strongly. While much of the Bible directs our focus to the future we are promised in Jesus’ presence, free from sickness, death, crying and pain (Revelation 21:4), God also uses His Word to remind us of His presence for the here and now.

We do not journey through uncertainty alone. Our “ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) is with us and in us, even now, even as we walk this long road. It is striking just how much the Psalms repeat the image of God saving us and holding us in His “right hand” (Psalm 17:7; 18:35; 60:5; 63:8; 73:23; 108:6; 139:10). There is an intimacy in this image, like a parent clasping the hand of their child to keep them safe, secure and sustained even as they navigate dangerous situations together. As long as we are held by the hand of God, we cannot get lost. Our Father is right here with us.

We face a new normal on earth, but nothing has changed in God’s kingdom; so we can face each day with confidence as we hold our Father’s strong hand.

Heavenly Father,
the Mighty Warrior who holds me in Your right hand,
remind me that I do not need to be afraid;
I am made courageous by Your Spirit within me.
I do not need to defend my “castle”,
ward off the world around me and fear for my life.
My every breath, my every moment, belongs to You.

I cannot be snatched from Your hands, so I pray,
whatever it costs, help me stand in the world
as a person of generosity and hope, faith and love.
May my family, community and nation look at me
and see someone who still stands strong because
my God still reigns on the throne forever and ever.