Lessons From the Pandemic

The world irrevocably changed with the pandemic. It is an uncertain, challenging, and exhausting year! Suddenly the traditional rules of tenure-track productivity don’t seem that important.

I offer two related lessons from early in the pandemic I hope can be of encouragement.

The first came from watching the “Veggie Tales” version of Noah’s ark with my daughter. What struck me in this particularly inventive interpretation was the story of Shem (apparently in zucchini form). Newly married, ‘Shem’ raves about all their upcoming plans. And just like that, the flood comes, sweeping away everything he thought he needed. They float around on that boat for a long time before God reveals the next steps.

I think many of us can identify with not being able to rely on the plans we made and the need to trust God.

But what does it look like to trust God? Consider Psalm 46.

I walk parts of our neighborhood daily, with a distinct waddle now as I am pregnant with my second baby. Just a few houses down from ours, some chalk art on the driveway had the words ‘God.fidence’ and ‘Psalm 46’.

It took me a while to figure out the first word. I know Psalms 46 as my father had quoted “be still and know that I am God” to me. I had thought of it as a comforting whisper. Then I went and reread Psalm 46….

And what fearsome beauty it contains! An entreaty to trust God as our ‘refuge and strength’, though everything we know is torn away. God’s power and authority and sovereignty over nations shine clearly. So, by the time we get to “be still and know that I am God” in verse 10, I no longer see it as a whispering plea, but as a powerful command, challenging us to reconcile who we believe God is, and what role He plays in our lives. We must also evaluate whether or not we trust Him.

“Do you have God.fidence?” (confidence in God)

Any upheaval brings opportunities for growth, renewal, and reconciliation. My prayer is that I would have sufficient trust to step out differently in the new school year, to see the possibilities inside and outside of the academy.

Second, God has taught me so much through my students. Ever notice how many don’t ask for help when they need it? Me too!

But God says, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guide your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

I’m fortunate. I have a good earthly father. If he says not to worry, I believe him. Our Heavenly Father, the Author of love, and with all authority says it too. Have God.fidence.