a blessing for when we don’t know when to be afraid

Oh God, we’re floundering.
we can’t tell whether this pandemic has dulled us to fear,
or if generalized anxiety is all there really is.
Normal isn’t normal anymore.

Oh God come! teach us how to assess risk in this strange landscape.
Show us what to do!

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.
Isaiah 44:3

Blessed are we, stuck in this strange new chronic reality,
where truth is a scarce commodity, and ‘normal’ is just a memory.

Blessed are we who ask, God come!
turn this place of being stuck, stymied, confused, and afraid,
into a place that feels grounded in truth.
still our hearts, focus our minds,
and help us do the slow work of thinking things through.

Blessed are we who will ask the questions,
no matter how awkward:
what is the science telling us?
where are the non-partisan voices?
where are the leaders who do not put personal gain over the public good?
where is the truth?
Blessed are we who ask You, oh God, to embolden the voices of leaders with integrity all over the world, that the research and funding for a vaccine be sound, well coordinated, and available based on a sensible distribution plan, and pray oh God, that You will protect it and guard it from evil that would come against it.

Then oh how blessed are we oh God,
who remember that You know the end from the beginning,
and pray, give peace in our time O Lord.

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

Look at the time. Now is the moment for trust.
and one awkward question.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
and lean not unto your own understanding.
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6