We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain (Heb 6:19).

The streets are quiet.  The crowds are gone.  Shops and food outlets are closed.  Factories are shuttered.  Companies have closed their physical offices.  Universities and schools are closed.  The airport is shut.  Planes are grounded.  Sports, music, and all large-scale events are cancelled.  Religious gatherings are discontinued.  Funerals and weddings are affected. 

People are told to stay at home.  Wear a mask when you go out.  Keep a distance from other people.  Temperatures are taken before entering supermarkets.  Entry to supermarkets is restricted.  

Employees work from home.  Students learn online at home.  Meetings are held online.  Non-essential contact is discouraged.

Food is not allowed to be consumed at coffeeshops.  You have to eat at home.

Everybody is hoping the pandemic will be brought under control soon.  But even after the lockdown, life will be different.

The global pandemic is changing the way we live. 

Is this the new norm?

The present situation does not make sense.  One minute we were enjoying life. The next minute, we are under lockdown and restricted.

Life seems so unpredictable. We are forced to search for the meaning of life. We want something that is sure and steadfast by which we can anchor our lives.

For the Christian, life does not depend on the external. 

We have hope in Jesus.  He is our Great High Priest who entered into the heavens, and is sat down on the right hand of God the Father.

He is watching over us and praying for us.

This hope is firm and unfailing.  This hope anchors us to Jesus.  

We may be tossed outwardly by the waves of troubles, but Jesus still loves us. Our relationship with Him can never, never be broken. He offers us support and protection against the storms of life.

We know that God has a purpose for everything.  Every crisis presents an opportunity to grow stronger.

Either we look up and seize that opportunity or we get sucked down by the storm.

Life is not without meaning. We find meaning in His steadfast love.  

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

(MT)