As we continue moving though this health crisis I want to encourage you with these words,

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…the Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1-3,7 NIV)

Certainly the fear of this pandemic is real and haunts all people around the world. Yet it is during times such as these when followers of Christ must take refuge in God, and trust the One who provides strength and peace in all circumstances. 

We must also pay attention to the guidelines which are being issued in the state of New Jersey. This afternoon (Saturday, March 21, 2020) the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy issued a stay-at-home order to aid the fight against the spread of the coronavirus for all of New Jersey. 

“Starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, New Jersey residents must stay home and all nonessential businesses have to close indefinitely. All gatherings including weddings, in-person services and parties, are canceled until further notice, Murphy said. Businesses considered essential that can remain open include grocery stores and pharmacies, gas stations, banks and other financial institutions and laundromats. Employees who must report to work are encouraged to get a letter from their job indicating that they work in an "industry permitted to continue operations," according to the state's newly launched coronavirus website.”

For over a week we have been encouraged to practice “social distancing,” staying at least six feet apart from each other. Many of our ABCNJ congregations have stopped gathering in their buildings and have begun to gather online through various platforms.

My dear sisters and brothers, we certainly do not need to be in the building to practice community. I encourage you to…

• pray for each other and look out for one another (Philippians 2:4)

• be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:31-32)

• encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• love one another (John 13:34-35)

• forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)

• live in harmony with one another (1 Peter 3:8). 

In this age we have been given an over-abundance of communications tool, social media platforms, telephone, texting, written letters, and emails are only a few of the ways to remain connected as the body of Christ. These platforms provide a way for our churches to “practice social connecting”—strengthening our communities. For now, until further notice, let us leverage these platforms to stay connected and to stay healthy.    

So as we move through these uncertain times, be encouraged and strengthen by the words in Psalm 46:10-11,

“Be still and know that I am God…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”