Our Daily Bread: Light in a PandemicSample

“Yes, But . . .”

He settled the tribes of Israel in their homes. -Psalm 78:55

In strange days of “shelter in place,” nationwide quarantines and vaccinations, people are finding creative ways to build community. Now more than ever, online chat sessions have become a place where people can share their hearts. Some are making the helpful suggestion to remember God’s goodness and thank Him for it. Others, however, tend to say, “Yes, but . . .” 

Which approach is right? Should we count our blessings? Or recount worst-case scenarios?

God’s songbook, the Psalms, employs both approaches. Many of the psalms are laments. They tell God exactly what is going wrong, often in angry, desperate terms. Other psalms recall the good things God has done without saying “yes, but.” 

Psalm 78 occurs in the same section as many of the “lament” psalms, yet it pointedly remembers the great things God has done. Despite Israel’s disobedience, “He brought his people out [of slavery in Egypt] like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness” (v. 52). The psalm recalls how “He guided them safely, so they were unafraid” (v. 53)—even as the sea literally swallowed their enemies. Ultimately, “He settled the tribes of Israel in their homes” (v. 55). 

This life remains uncertain. The one constant is God, who promises one day to settle us at home with Him. Accepting this great truth will help us become agents of God’s peace, instead of purveyors of panic.

Tim Gustafson

How do you tend to respond in a crisis, and what effect do you think your response has on others? What laments might you need to share with God today? What can you praise Him for?