Denise Whitfield
Director of Christian Ed
“I am with You”
“Social distancing” Two months ago, this phrase, if even spoken, might have been more often defined as an emotionally unhealthy approach to living that meant a person avoided relationship building. Today, the term is part of everyday vernacular, and has taken on an entirely new meaning. It has a numerical measure—6 feet. We have been told it is the only way to stay physically healthy in the midst of the pandemic.
Recently, I heard someone encourage listeners to think, not in terms of “social distancing,” but “distant socializing.” And thanks to technology, I suppose that is true. But I couldn’t help thinking, “Honestly, in these days, with a little spin, anyone can try to make any word or situation mean anything.”
The truth is, we are not able to be in the presence of the ones we care about and enjoy. And we are affected on a multitude of levels. Most of us celebrated Easter without our church community and the usual extended family meal and traditions. People have been unable to celebrate normally or grieve normally. My daughter, Amy, who many of you know is a daytime waitress at Marley’s, shared how much she is missing the friendships she enjoys with her co-workers and customers. She misses exchanging life stories with them. And for those of you who know her—the hugs.
A triune God, intrinsically relational within the Trinity, created us in His image, to enjoy relationship with Him and with others. This social distancing doesn’t feel right because isolation isn’t God’s way. If you are struggling today with all of the “alone time,” don’t think for a moment that you are alone in this COVID-19 sequestering. God has always promised His presence for His children, “I will be with you” . . . when threatened (Gen 28:15), when embarking on an unknown journey (Exodus 33:13), when called to an unexpected task (Judges 6:15-16), when enduring times of trouble (Psalm 91:15), when oppressed (Isaiah 41:10), when help is needed (John 14:16), when fulfilling our calling (Matthew 28:19-20). When His children needed a perfect sacrifice to make payment for their sin, God again provided His presence. Immanuel, God with us, came. He himself bore our sins. In all this He has said, and He is still saying, “I am with you.” If you are a child of God, through faith in Jesus, being alone is a redemptive impossibility.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8