Ponderings During the Pandemic: A Collection of Reflections

The time of the COVID-19 Pandemic was a time of quarantine and isolation for many people, causing much loneliness and sadness. As an Associate Minister and a member of a few ministries in my church, I felt led to try to bring some encouragement and inspiration to the members of these ministries. And so, with the aid and anointing of the Holy Spirit, I began frequently sending these short messages to the ministries via e-mail.

Those messages have resulted in the compilation of this present work. They are my thoughts, reflections, musings, and meditations during the year-long period of quarantine, isolation and restrictions. However, the majority of these reflections are not merely my thoughts, but they are scripturally based, backed by the Word of God. Some of them may be considered Sermonettes.

For example, let's take a look at one of the readings dated April 1, 2020 and entitled "In the Valley."

Psalm 23:4 says "Yea though I walk through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Because of this Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are most certainly in a valley right now. Sickness and death are all around us. Nevertheless, the operative phrase in this verse is: "THROUGH THE VALLEY" with emphasis on the word, "THROUGH." Yes the situation seems dark right now; it's frightening and scary, but it's also temporary. We shall not stay in this valley. We can put our CONFIDENCE in the Lord of the valley, believe that He will lead us THROUGH this valley. Also, we are not alone in this valley, for the Lord of the valley is with us. He is our COMPANY-KEEPER, and if we can look away from the scary shadows and focus on the company-keeper, the author and finisher of our faith, He will keep us by His grace and mercy, and we know that His grace is sufficient, and His mercy endures forever. Finally, this verse not only gives us confidence and a company-keeper, but it promises COMFORT, and this comfort comes from the Lord of the valley's Rod and His staff--the Written Word and the Living Word. The Written Word (the Bible) with its promises of provision and protection is our source of comfort, and the Living Word, who is Jesus, our Shepherd, leads us THROUGH this valley. "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He will strengthen our heart. WAIT, I SAY, ON THE LORD!" (Psalm 27:14).

In April of 2020, many folk were becoming so anxious, so devastated, and actually fearful of what was happening, I was led to try to help people understand that they were not alone, and that they would get through it in God's time.

Although, at this writing, we are almost completely through that valley, it is my prayer that these readings will continue to strengthen you and comfort you in any other "valley" you may find yourself going through.