Snake Bit in a Pandemic
By: Dan Seale
As Beverly walked to her shed on her farm, she felt a sharp pain in her foot. She stared at her foot in shocked disbelief as the rattlesnake that bit her slithered away. In God’s providence, her husband was home from work recovering from shoulder surgery so he could hear her cry for help through screen door they installed earlier that week. They raced to the small-town emergency room and no one really knew what to do so their mistreatment actually made the situation worse. In God’s providence a surgeon from Texas who was accustomed to treating snake bites was operating just down the hall. He left the operating room and called the local vet for antivenin since the hospital had none and began treating Beverly with the skill she needed, ultimately saving her life.
While not a perfect analogy, I see the effects of living in a time of pandemic like a venomous snake bite that is slowly moving through our body breaking down our bodily functions resulting in serious damage to our being if untreated. To mix images, the evil one, the snake, is throwing his poisonous darts seeking to destroy us, the church. I know this could sound melodramatic, but I am seeing a large number of people struggling in profound ways. I understand we are individuals and each of us are experiencing this pandemic in different ways. Extroverts are facing different challenges than introverts. Those at higher risk are experiencing this differently than those with low risk. Those with little children have different trials than those with teenagers. Those living alone face the possibility of greater isolation. The variables are great, but all of us are experiencing its impact directly or indirectly. The questions are, how much venom has entered your bloodstream, how fast it is moving through your life, and what damage will be done if it is left untreated or mistreated.
We often deal with uncertainty through knowledge, social connections, set timeframes, and future plans, all of which are failing us at this point. Information is constantly changing and often contradictory. We are more isolated and social media is not helping us connect but further dividing as we take out our fears and irritability online. There is no clear end in sight so we cannot make future plans. This leads to increased anxiety, depression and irritability causing soul weariness. So how do we fight the advance of this venom?
One form of antivenin is to connect to the Lord through the well-worn paths of worship, Bible reading, prayer, fellowship and the sacraments. Toward that end, we want to invite you to read and pray through Philippians with us this month. Gratitude is a great antivenin. In fact, recent brain studies show that practicing gratitude actually can rewire our brains. Studies show that simple gratitude exercises like reflecting on and giving thanks for daily graces and wins or keeping a gratitude journal can bring greater joy and happiness after just a couple of weeks. It is amazing how God has made us!
30 Days of Gratitude from Philippians from Christian Discipleship Ministries of the PCA
Another antivenin is true social connection. I recognize that there are many valid reasons for those of you who are not coming to outdoor worship. To remove some of those obstacles we are having a drive-in service September 13 at 4:30 pm. No, it won’t be the same as gathering in the building. Yes, you may have to manage your family in a confined space, but we will be together and be reminded we are not alone, a part of the body of Christ. It will be increasingly easy to allow difficulties and challenges to keep you from gathering for worship. A young mom sent me this article that was a challenge and an encouragement to her to bring her kids to worship outdoors even though it might be hard. Bring a blanket, some toys and some good snacks. I love to hear children in the background. Really! We are a family and we get to model to our children the importance of worshiping together. It is good to hear their sweet voices and even their cries during worship. Most of our children will have powerful memories of worship during the pandemic. Kirsten Black has this challenging pull quote, If we only prioritize corporate worship when it’s convenient, our children will learn to do the same.
Prioritize church, even when there’s no childcare. by Kirsten Black
Friends, this pandemic will not be fatal to our souls as we use God’s means of grace to fight the venom of the evil one. Spend time in the Word and in prayer giving thanks (Philippians 1:1-5, 4:6-7, Joshua 1:8). Meet with believers in person (or zoom when needed) to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:12-17). Let your speech build others up and give grace to all who hear and forgive one another as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32). Don’t let the COVID snake bite cause irreparable harm through mistreatment or neglect. Let us help each other follow Jesus together.