Meditations in the time of the virus

Spiritual Connection

And just like that the entire world begins to get an idea of how important it is to have relationships and talk with someone you do not see, who is not visibly right there in the room with you.

Christians have been talking about that for years, we call it prayer. 

Right now all over the world people are experiencing how important the relationship part is in our connections. Otherwise you might be delighted to have a telemarketer call you up. You could talk to them, hang out on the phone, tell them about your friends at school, or your grandchildren. That's not the way it works, is it? 

We look for personal connections in our talking, phoning, texting, "facebooking," "snapchatting," and so on. And if we find out that the social media is "manipulating the algorithms" or the telemarketer is asking tricky questions to string us along we are resentful and feel used. We need the connection to be personal, or it doesn't count.

That's why, as the shelter at home business wears on, it is so important to hear from someone we know. It lifts the isolation if only a little bit. (Something to think about: When this virus is finally over, think about the lonely among us. And if you are in the habit of doing everything online; set aside the device for a while and communicate by voice or face to face. It is healthier deep inside.)

But think also about what we have as Christians -- the spiritual part of life. The Bible gives this promise -- God knows you. He knows you deep inside, "before there is a word on my tongue ... O Lord, You know it " and You discern my thoughts from afar." (Psalm 139:2,4) Jesus said, "your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:8) Jesus in able to "sympathize with our weaknesses" since He was "tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) And God promises something that is very personal, "before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)

This is personal. It is God who begins it, God who reaches out to us, God who calls us into a very personal relationship with Him. There is something of the encounter between Nathaniel and Jesus in this. Nathaniel said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered, "... when you were under the fig tree I saw you." Nathaniel answered, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:48-49)

So this is prayer. God invites us to come and talk to Him. He knows us. Bring any concern. He knows them already. Know that you are known; and know that you are loved. He is Jesus. Because He knows and cares you are not alone. And this is from Jesus who knows a little something about being alone, saying to His disciples, "an hour is coming ... when you will be scattered ... and leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me." (John 16:32)

So when He promises, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." He knows how important that promise is. So now you have been personally invited by Jesus. 

Lord Jesus, You have promised to be with me. Even when I am alone You are there, and when I don't really know what to say, You understand. You understand because You know me deep inside, and You have been watching over me and being with me all along. Guide me in my spirit to come with my prayers and unload my burdens and worries with You. Amen.
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