Friday, May 26, 2023

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

On this last day of the week, I want to follow up on something we looked at yesterday: effects of the pandemic on “disconnects” from God.

A February 2023 article that I read recently noted that the pandemic had lost its grip, but that loneliness still exists. Quoting from that article by OSF Healthcare out of Illinois: “While society adjusts to the new normal of work, family, social interactions, along with an easing of health and safety protocols, post-pandemic behavioral health leaders say the residual impact on increasing loneliness among all age groups and populations can’t be ignored. Research has found that social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical activity.”

We all know that God saw the need for man to have companionship. If anyone understands the value of human interaction, our Lord does.

PRAYER: Father, the pandemic was devastating on so many levels. From the millions of lives lost around the world, to those left motherless, spouseless, and jobless, so much has changed. Covid-19 affected us physically, mentally, and emotionally. And its impact has also touched us spiritually. Some of us have grown closer to you, but many of us are far from where we were, distanced from where we need to be. Draw us closer Lord. Never let us go. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen