“Who needs God?

Recently, we needed help for a household repair. A plan was in place for a carpenter to do the work. When Monday came, no carpenter at 7 a.m., but rather a phone call. The man apologized saying, “I am sick.” Being concerned that he might have Cov-19, I said, “We will pray for you.” A long pause was heard, then he asked, “What do you mean?”

I said, “Either on the phone right now, or when I hang up, Gary and I will pray for you to get well.”

It jarred me in realizing that offering prayer to a person who is sick might take a person by surprise. Yet, let’s get real. Our nation is rich. We live in a state of complacency, having all we need—and more than we need. Prior to this current crisis our GNP was up with unemployment down. We were prospering . . . having various government programs in place to care for families needing public assistance.

Of course, now everything is turned upside down and we all are in a messy dilemma! We do not know, yet, how our nation will come through this. Nor do we know how much time it will take for us to regain our confidence in being okay and safe. Will we surmount the fear now in place—the fear of being in close proximity to others.

Prior to Cov-19’s nasty appearance it is fair to say a majority in the nation did not have much concept of needing much—or, any help from God. Working hard and playing as often as possible kept schedules tight. And, those of us who are counting on God’s help daily, also enjoyed the “ben-ies” of living “in the promise land” of the most powerful nation in the world. Now, may I also dare to say most likely a lot of people may be surprising themselves as they pray for God to help them through this? At least this can be hoped for, as looking at the current news clearly tells us we are in trouble.

Perhaps many are now wondering—praying—for this crisis to end . . . and may even be wanting to explore what it takes to live a righteous life. (“Righteous” means “right living with the help of God.)

Those of us who study Scripture believe it is fool hardy to live life as if there is no God. Doing business with an attitude that our spiritual needs are “non-essential,” virtually means, “who needs God?’”

Truth be known none of us have much certainty as to what the future holds. What we can know for sure is that God wants to be in our lives and to help us through. Psalms 34:17-18, holds promise, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. ¹⁸The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

The following poem by Margaret Halaska, a Roman Catholic Sister, is titled aptly:

“Covenant”

The Father knocks at my door, seeking a home for his son:
Rent is cheap, I say
I don’t want to rent. I want to buy, says God.
I’m not sure I want to sell,
but you might come in to look around.
I think I will, says God.
I might let you have a room or two.
I like it, says God. I’ll take the two.
You might decide to give me more some day.
I can wait, says God.
I’d like to give you more,
but it’s a bit difficult. I need some space for me.
I know, says God, but I’ll wait. I like what I see.
Hm, maybe I can let you have another room.
I really don’t need that much.
Thanks, says God, I’ll take it. I like what I see.
I’d like to give you the whole house
but I’m not sure –
Think on it, says God. I wouldn’t put you out.
Your house would be mine and my son would live in it.
You’d have more space than you’d ever had before.
I don’t understand at all.
I know, says God, but I can’t tell you about that.
You’ll have to discover it for yourself.
That can only happen if you let him have the whole house.
A bit risky, I say.
Yes, says God, but try me.