Doug Lyon
Senior Pastor
THE NEW NORMAL
I do not know anyone who has been infected by the coronavirus, but I do know that we have all been affected by it. I look forward to the time when social restrictions will be loosened, and civil restraints will be lifted.
I hear and read about people not wanting to return to normal—not wanting to go back to the way things used to be in their lives prior to COVID-19. They desire a new normal—one that is better for them and for others spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially.
One area that I need to do differently is to pray more regularly and fervently for wisdom, courage, and integrity for political leaders as Scripture instructs me to do.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
At the end of the 1st century, a Christian leader known as Clement of Rome wrote a letter to the church at Corinth. It’s not inspired Scripture, but it does contain solid pastoral advice. In the letter, Clement included this prayer to God: “Give harmony and peace to us and to all that dwell on the earth … while we render obedience to your Almighty and most excellent Name, and to our rulers and governors upon the earth. You, Lord and Master, have given them the power of sovereignty through your excellent and unspeakable might, that we, knowing the glory and honor which you have given them, may submit ourselves to them, in nothing resisting your will. Grant to them therefore, O Lord, health, peace, harmony, stability, that they may administer the government which you have given them without failure. For you, O heavenly Master, King of the ages, give to the sons of men glory and honor and power over all things that are upon the earth. Do, Lord, direct their counsel according to that which is good and well-pleasing in your sight.”
Life may never be fully restored to “normal” in Post Coronaville, but I hope my new normal is a more prayerful one.