Mark 6:31-32 (NIV): Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Social distancing!
In the face of all the uncertainty and challenges of disease world-wide, the need for social distancing has become the need and the norm. This is causing many of us to feel uncomfortable and out of sorts. And yet, is it such a foreign concept?
Yes, to practice social distancing is the need of the hour for the health and safety of self, loved ones and community at large. We are called to cooperate and do our part to curb the spread of the rapidly spreading deadly virus. But is it an all-bad situation?
When the Lord walked this earth, He took much time, away from crowds, away even from His disciples. He went away, to pray. He practiced social distancing to get away from maddening crowds. He went away by Himself when He needed to ‘re-group’, always before important decisions. He went away, to connect and commune with His Father.
Jesus not only practiced social distancing, He also called His disciples to. Come away with Me, He said. He called His disciples to get away from the rush of every day. Not just to simply get away, but to come away so that they spent time with Him, alone.
Though our situation today is rather unique and may seem difficult, it is also not very different from the days of the gospels. The Lord continues to call us away. To look away from the waves of fear, confusion, disease and illness and to look to Him. To take time away from the many news and facts that seem to be coming at us with full speed from all the media and devices at our figure tips.
The Lord is calling us to come away, to spend time alone with Him and His Word, to seek Him in prayer. When the world around does not seem to make sense, turn to the One alone who can make sense, who does make sense. He remains the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still on His throne and is in sovereign control of the world, even in this time of seeming chaos and turmoil.
When fear and confusion tend to occupy our minds, may we choose to come away to ponder Him in His Word anew and speak our hearts out to Him in prayer. In the midst of the din and noise of news and updates, may we tune our hearts to listen to His small still voice. May we allow Him to fill our hearts and minds with His peace that passes all understanding.
Lord help us to come away and spend time with You, we pray.