Deliverance from Pestilence

In 1524, Martin Luther set about adapting, improving, and expanding a well-known medieval hymn.  What resulted is the hymn, “In the Very Midst of Life.”  The hymn opens with a question that seems entirely fitting for the situation we find ourselves now in 2020: “In the very midst of life snares of death surround us; who shall help us in the strife lest the foe confound us?”  Our world is asking this same question right now.  What do we do?  Is death imminent?  Is the world ending?  How do we manage in the short term?  How do things recover in the long term?  These are uncertain times that God has spared us for some time.  But now, in His wisdom, He has allowed this pandemic.  God’s wisdom and ways are beyond our understanding.  We know that He has promised to bring good from ill.  We know that He can take what is meant for evil and use it for good.  So in this time of pandemic and fear and uncertainty, we ask that question of Dr. Luther’s hymn: Who shall help us in the strife lest the foe confound us?  Thou only, Lord, Thou only.  The Christian response to our current situation is repentance and faith.

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