The Helping Hand

 Psalm 124:8 (NIV)  Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

Quite a few churches, even megachurches, are holding worship as usual regardless of the restrictions in place to help curb the pandemic.  The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the State of New York cannot enforce restrictions on public religious services.  That does not mean we should all immediately start in person worship.  It only means that the State cannot enforce its directives.  Our Sheriff has already stated she will not enforce such restrictions in Fresno County, so for us nothing really changes.  

In response to those churches who have chosen to hold worship as usual, Dr. Jeff Barrows, Vice President for Bioethics and Public Policy of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations which represents 20,000 Evangelical medical professionals, begged his fellow Evangelicals not to gather for in person worship during the current surge in infections.  He noted that Christians are commanded to love their neighbors as themselves, "and one of the most tangible ways that we can do that at this moment in time is to avoid any in-person gatherings, especially as larger churches," he said.  He also said that prayers for healing work, but they don’t protect you from harm.  “If you step in front of a car you will be healed, but that healing is going to happen in heaven.” (quotes from an interview with NPR)

I believe in healing prayer.  I believe in miracles.  I also believe God gave us brains for a reason and that we should use them.  Scientists and medical professionals have spent decades gaining knowledge that enables them to give us good advice on staying healthy. If we are using our brains, we will listen to them and avoid situations that are dangerous to our health and safety.    Then, while doing those things, we seek God’s help in getting through the situation. 

It’s not easy to stay home, to give up doing all the things we are used to doing - eating in restaurants, visiting friends and family, shopping and window shopping, getting haircuts and all the other things that we have always taken for granted.   I can go for days feeling fine, but then it all crashes in and I want a hug.  I want to wander down High Street and say hello to the merchants.  I want to hang out with my monthly dinner and conversation group and solve all the problems of the world.  I am fortunate. For too many others their job and income are gone, they face hunger and even eviction and homelessness.  The only thing that really helps is knowing that God is right there with us, helping us get through.  

We have hope right now, because there are some vaccines coming out soon.  By late Spring the vaccine should be available to nearly everyone in the country.   Shortly after that, perhaps, life can get back to something approximating pre-Covid normality.  Between now and then we must rely on God, for our help is always in the name of the Lord, Creator of heaven and earth.

Creator God, our very present help in trouble, we give you thanks that you are always present in our lives.  May we remember that with you all things are possible, and all will be well.  Amen.