As for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
—Psalm 73:28

Covid-19 has turned our world upside down. We’ve been urged to keep our distance from others, even loved ones. With jobs under constant threat and savings being eaten away, we are trying to be frugal with our finances. We try to keep our families and little ones calm, while the anxiety silently threatens to overwhelm our already troubled hearts.

The retreat away from open society may have also led to a retreat into ourselves; a wrestling with the dark clouds of uncertainty on our own. Perhaps we feel more alone than ever with the burdens we carry. Keeping our distance physically is a good thing when it comes to protecting one another from viruses. But distancing isn’t so good when it creeps into our relationships, especially our intimacy with God. Spiritual distance can quickly lead to spiritual darkness and mental and emotional fatigue.

The writer of Psalm 73 wisely concluded: “But as for me, it is good to be near God” (Psalm 73:28). But aren’t there days and seasons when God seems far off?

Especially now, when things don’t add up; when life doesn’t make sense. Confusion reigns in our lives and we cry out, “God, where are you? Have you forgotten about me?”

Then God breaks through. Sometimes it’s in the context of worship (vv. 16–17), through reading Scripture, or through the encouragement of friends. Our hearts become sensitive again; prayers begin to rise from within (vv. 23–25). Our sight becomes clear and once again we recognise that “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (v. 26).

Even when darkness threatens to overwhelm, we can come and know the Light of the world who is with us;
right here, right now. When we feel at our lowest, we can be assured of God’s presence and draw close to Him.

Gracious heavenly Father,
by whose mercy the world turns safely into darkness
and returns again to light each day:
I entrust this extended time of darkness to You.
I place into Your all-powerful hands
the tasks I am unable to finish,
the problems I cannot solve,
and the worries that threaten to overwhelm.
Bring this world back into the light of Your healing in Your perfect timing.
Even though I face so much darkness,
Christ remains the Light of the world;
the Light by which I see my eternal hope each day.
I place my faith firmly in Him for these days.

Almighty Father,
there is such a barrage of conflicting information
I hardly know who to trust,
so I turn my eyes to You.
You know all things.
You know the end from the beginning.
You have all power and authority.
Nothing happens outside of Your control.
I turn my soul now to You only, because no matter what happens
Your Kingdom will not be shaken,
Your power will not be weakened
and Your people will not be defeated.
Lead me in Your truth and make my footsteps firm.