Introduction. How should we as followers of Christ respond in this time of calamity? Now more than ever it is important to meditate often on God’s Word and to constantly pray. Time in God’s Word and seasons with him in prayer will carry us through this difficult period. Here are some important truths to reflect upon, along with some practices that grown out of them. 

The Evil is Real. This pandemic is evil. It is the result of a fallen created order. When Jesus faced the brokenness of the create order, it grieved him. We, too, should sorrow over this pandemic. This leads to our first biblical response in the face of the viral calamity.

Practice Biblical Lament. Lament is a passionate expression of grief, along with a complaint to the Lord for help. Lament is a wise initial response to harm, injustice, and a pandemic like Covid-19. The Bible is filled with expressions of lament, especially in the Psalms. Biblical lament does not exclude a mixture of joy. As we lament over the evil that is befalling our communities, may the Lord to help us exhibit all the fruits of the Spirit (including love, joy, peace).

God is In Control. God is sovereign, and this includes his ultimate control over evil. The God of Scripture alone is omnipotent; COVID-19 is not. Jesus taught that God cares even for the sparrow; yes, the very hairs of our head are numbered. Sin, sickness and death, like Satan, cannot step over the boundaries that God sets. This is a great comfort. With the Lord’s help let us model trust to one another. This is a second scriptural response.

Practice Trust in the Lord. What makes a biblical perspective on lament healthy is its attending trust in the Lord and an assurance of ultimate and enduring joy. In Psalm 94. David cries, “How long, LORD, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?” But then David confesses, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

We are taught that in the face of death we are not to grieve like other people who have no hope (1 Thess 5). This does not mean that we do not grieve. Jesus himself wept over Jerusalem for their unbelief and he wept at the tomb of Lazarus. But Christ wins the final victory, and so we too can rejoice. May the Lord help us to lament well, and then to rejoice with God’s people as we together trust in Him and wait for final victory. 

God Is with Us in Our Suffering. The Lord enters into our suffering. While both good and sovereign, our God is also a God of perfect compassion. He cares for us, not from afar, but as one intimately involved in our lives. God exhibited his love in the life and death of his Son. Jesus shared our humanity and suffered so that he could more fully and empathetically help us when we suffer (Heb 2:14-18). We can come to him in our time of need, he understands and is able to rescue us. This leads us to a third response.

Practice Prayer for One Another. One of the most important things we can do is to join one another in prayer, for ourselves and for the lost all around us. Because of “social distancing” being physically together in groups may not be possible. But we can pray faithfully for one another, even when somewhat isolated. We can also communicate often with one another and pray together through social media. Pray much and ask the Lord for wisdom as to how we can compassionately be present with those among us who are in the greatest need.

Evil and Suffering Will Be Defeated. Evil, including this terrible pandemic, will ultimately be defeated. This is the proper context for Rom 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God’s timetable is not ours – but the ultimate victory is sure. It is a victory won by Christ in his death and resurrection and in his certain return. This will bring relief from sin, sickness, death. It will also bring us into the glorious inheritance of the children of God. Oh, what a wonderful day that will be! This is our hope and leads to a final response.

Practice Hope. While we lament, and trust, and pray with one another, let us proclaim the hope of the gospel. People need hope and only the gospel fully provides this. The gospel provides a hope for the worst of times. Even in the face of death, this hope survives offering eternal life in a new heaven and earth. This is for all who find salvation in Christ. Hallelujah! Let us continue to share the gospel with our families, friends, and neighbors – especially in the face of this calamity, whose end is sure. Thanks be to God!

This article is a condensed version of an earlier work of Dr. Dan Ebert. Access the first edition here: http://all4christ.org/mf-the-ministry-covid19/