Helping Each Other through the Marathon

After a summer of plans to return to some semblance of normalcy, we find ourselves continuing to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons are many, but the reality is that our best laid plans will not be realized. We each have our own stories to share. The reality was brought home to me this morning when I heard a report that many Americans have come to the point that they believe we will “just have to learn to live with COVID.”

This is discouraging for all of us—businesspeople, health professionals, teachers, parents, students, clergy and lay leaders in congregations, and more. The marathon goes on and nerves wear thin. One option is to seek someone to blame, but this only leads to further frustration and anger. Another option is to acknowledge that this is, for present, our lot in life and seek the strength to endure.

We can find that strength in the Psalms, where writers are very transparent about their anger, grief, and uncertainty as well as their trust in God. In today’s passage, we read these words:

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
    “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
    if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
    I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!” (Psalm 91:14-16, The Message)

The writer attributes many promises to God, but perhaps the one that carries the most weight for me in these days is “call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times.” Our best friends during times of crisis are those who stand beside us. They may not be able to fix things, but they are there. Even more reassuring is that our God is present with us in every situation and wants to “give [us] a long drink of salvation.” Such a drink is mighty needed during this marathon. Perhaps we can help each other by sharing this sustenance with one another on God’s behalf.

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