You may have heard of the song entitled, “As the Deer” composed by Martin J. Nystrom in 1984. He based this song on King David’s Psalm 41. But, little we did know that King David during this time was away from the house of God. He was quarantined. 

Does it sound familiar to you?

As COVID-19 continues to rise affecting many countries, and as the vaccine is still being tested, world leaders have one order to the general public --- ‘STAY AT HOME’. And as we do so, we become away from our churches just like King David.

When he was away from God’s house, he became anxious. He’s downcast. He’s disturbed (verse 5). As this quarantine continues, we become more like David. We become anxious because our businesses have been stopped. We’re worried about our jobs, finances, and our own family’s health. Many people in our surroundings may even question the existence of God which is inscribed in verse 3 (NIV), “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 

This may shake our relationship with the Lord.

However, David said in verse 4 (NIV) we have to “put hope in God...my Savior and my God.” Despite all our worries, we have a God who’ll save us from this unprecedented crisis. Despite all uncertainties and vagueness of tomorrow, we know that we have a God whom we can hope for and put our trust in. 

He assured us in Psalm 52:22 (NIV), “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” 

Despite many people questioning the existence of God, keep your faith in him as the bible said in 1 Timothy 4:10, “... we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” 

Acts 16: 31 (NIV) said “... believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” It is an assurance that our confidence in the Lord will save us, including our family from all these trials. So, don’t worry. Don’t be anxious.

King David lamented that he missed the house of God in verse 4 (NIV), “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.” 

Like him, we also miss the church. We miss singing praises and adorations with the congregation. We miss hearing our pastors delivering God’s word inside the church (physically). We miss the fellowship. But, we have to remember that we are God’s church. Therefore, God can directly deliver his word to us and we can sing praises unto Him even if we’re quarantined and far from the physical church. 

David said in verse 8 (NIV), “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” 

We can enjoy the presence of the Lord even if we are only worshipping Him in our house since God said in Matthew 18:20 (NIV) “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This is an assurance for us that he is with us even if we are far from the physical church.

Psalm 42 is a resemblance to what we are experiencing right now. But just like King David, we have to put our hope in God, and the distance from our church should never be an issue for us to stop worshiping our Savior. 

Do not worry. Do not be anxious. Do not stop worshipping.

COVID-19 shall pass. This quarantine shall be lifted soon. But, your God Almighty will remain now and forever.