Uncertainty - Monday Musing, December 20, 2021

Dear Church,

Uncertainty. In his Opinion Editorial, Kevin S. LaBar writes, “Your brain doesn’t like uncertainty” (CCT, 12/15/2021). Defined as doubt, skepticism, suspicion, or lack of sureness about someone or something, I can’t imagine any one of us would argue this point. LaBar’s topic is COVID-19, pining that a resolution to this crisis is not within sight. The coronavirus global pandemic has us twisting and turning in our seats, trying to keep up with the latest information about infections and protocols. Just how can we adjust to this constant uncertainty?

In these uncertain times, some might doubt that God is really with us. But isn’t the same God who is with us during the good times the same God who is with us during the uncertain times? The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus’ words: “Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ … But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (6:31-34).

I know what you’re thinking, that’s easy for Jesus to say, he wasn’t living during the time of a global pandemic. Just when we thought there was light at the end of the tunnel of this madness, we are faced with yet another set-back. Responding to the recent uptick in infections, the Church Cabinet will re-evaluate our COVID protocols at tomorrow’s meeting. Christmas week is a cruel time to introduce continued uncertainty by taking a step backwards in our protocols, but we have been successful in our previous precautions, so we know we can do it (again).

In scripture we know previous generations of the faithful faced some pretty dire stuff. Wearing a mask is nothing compared to floods, famine, plagues, or deaths of all first-born children. No, we don’t know when this pandemic will ever be over, but we can lend support to one another as we face the continued uncertain days ahead. We can rest in the certainty that God’s love is always with us. See you in church!

Faithfully,

Darren