Not only has this COVID pandemic unearthed financial sinkholes for many business owners and their employees, but there has been a serious fallout in many people’s personal lives because of the isolation. Like the strewn debris that follows a tornado’s path, lives and families have been torn apart and scattered by the winds of suicide, depression, addiction, and abuse. We’ve watched the isolation take a serious toll on many of our loved ones. More than ever, we are realizing that we are made for community with others. In addition, we are also made for community, or relationship, with God.
Jesus addressed this when He said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) In other words, there are things our soul needs that can’t be purchased with money or satisfied by another human being.
The prophet Isaiah said, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isaiah 55:1) A glass of cool water may refresh us on a hot day, but that water trickles into our stomach and completely bypasses our soul. Isaiah is referring to refreshing us and nourishing us with food and drink that is not of this world. The salvation of the soul is something that only God can give. And He offers it free of charge to those who will “come.”
Jesus made a similar offer. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28-30) Ah, Jesus, Himself, is what our soul needs. Only a personal relationship with Him can satisfy our soul regardless of our times and circumstances.
I’m not saying that accepting Jesus makes all the problems of life or of COVID disappear, but we can experience rest and peace when the world around us is in a frenzy. God has promised His followers, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2–3)
God’s forgiveness and presence is what every soul needs. And Jesus said that those things are only available through Him, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6) If you haven’t yet asked Him to come into your life, I hope you’ll do that soon.
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