COVID, Lament and God's Compassion

 

“I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.” - Psalm 69

 

When you hear the word “lament” what feelings bubble to the surface?  

 

Reflections on the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic could fill a contemporary book of Lamentations. Lament is a godly response to the reality of suffering.

 

The Jewish prophet Jeremiah wrote the Old Testament book with the title, “Lamentations.” His words, “I am the one who has seen affliction” (Lamentations 3:1) are an echo of suffering around the globe. Six million. That’s how many people died from COVID but the number is astronomically higher from people who died by suicide, and opioid overdoses, or who lost their marriage, or employment, or friends, or their mental health.

 

COVID changed the impact of words. Masks, convoy, vaccination, and freedom have all taken on atomically charged new meanings.

 

The last 24 months magnified division, amplified anxiety, and fostered destructive disinformation. In a single week, as protesters descended on Ottawa and tensions around the country ran high, we saw a fake death by horse-trampling, a fake Governor General registry of 3.5 per cent of Canadians to secure a vote of no confidence, a fake frozen bank account, and a fake UN reinforcements story because a plane was getting maintenance in North Bay. As you read this you may think, "I thought those were true." Who can you trust for information? Can I even trust you, Bob? 

You see?

 

We responded to the pandemic with the production and delivery of a vaccine that a portion of the population did not trust. Some said the vaccine couldn’t be trusted because the process was rushed, the testing wasn’t rigorous enough.

 

Church world is where I work and live. Even as restrictions lift and congregations regather there is lament over what was and what is. Attendance, volunteer numbers, and financials are down. Conflict is up.

 

The Russian invasion of Ukraine thrust the world into another global crisis as the pandemic simmers on a back burner. There was an unprecedented, unified, rapid global response to sanction Russia. In just ten days major Ukrainian cities were emptied of inhabitants and filled with destruction from rockets, bombs, and invaders. We witnessed 1.3 million Ukrainians suddenly become refugees.

 

Social media is rife with conspiracy theories about “The Great Reset” and a “New World Order.”

 

Be intentional about holding space for lament. Our natural inclination is a rush to comfort. Its no coincidence that this post comes during the season of Lent. Giving up comfort to embrace lament is a good trade as we approach the death of Jesus on the cross.

 

Lament is not void of worship or gratitude. Jeremiah’s testimony of God’s sovereignty and love is his act of defiance in the face of suffering. His lamentation was an expression of trust in God. Lament is the path to a sacrifice of worship. Humility before God in the face of suffering creates an unexpected lift for the soul.

 

“Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:23

 

I write to grow hope, inspire people to be real, forge an authentic faith in Jesus, and discover their life purpose.

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