We have seen ample evidence of broken hearts and crushed spirits. People suffering and dying from COVID-19. Healthcare workers and first responders working valiantly against great odds. Those on the margins and those suddenly unemployed coming to the Army for support. Then thousands took to the streets in an outpouring of pent up frustration and anger after harboring broken hearts in silence for so long. 

During this time of distancing, I have studied most every crevice and crack and stared at corners without exits in the room where I have been working remotely. Oh, if I could just lean into a wall and in good sci-fi fashion become immaterial and roam at will. 

Jesus actually could do this. He appeared to His followers in His resurrected body as they huddled in despair and defeat, having seemingly lost their leader and guide. He did so out of a love that no wall, no pit, not even death, could contain. 

That great love calls us to bring hope where there is despair, healing where there is brokenness, obedience to the higher laws of God’s righteousness and justice where there is hatred and chaos and division.

“We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.”

We can emerge from here stronger, more faithful, more convinced that no escape room could ever defeat us—because, in the words of Daniel Paul Rader, 

Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, “the door being shut.
He never forsakes; He never is gone,
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn. 
 
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank You for a love so deep that it can rescue the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit. Grant us the grace to speak your Word into every instance in need of Your healing.