Rebuke the beasts

that dwell among the reeds...

               Psalm 68. 30

(We are paralyzed

        by what might be,

and even by what

    does not exist at all.

We expect a mountain lion,

   and it is only a squirrel,

   rustling in the leaves.

Anxiety only robs us blind.

What are we afraid of?

      "I am with you,"

           God reminds us

           over and over again.

Am I being fearful,

    or am I being faithful,

even in this lockdown

        to save lives?

Not focused on

   what we could be doing,

   or what might be next,

          but what is now.

What has God given

  for us to do today?)

O LORD,

Help us to focus on You today,

              Almighty One.

Help us not to fill our time

    but that You would

        fulfill every moment.

Help us to stay put

and not be overcome

      by isolation

but overwhelmed by Your Presence.

Help us to know

   that staying home

   is saving lives,

and not just our own.

Please show us how

to face this day differently

    because we know You.