“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 46:10

The Earth is at peace. The hum of human activity quieted. Even Earth’s upper crust is moving just a little less as everything pauses in the pandemic.

Photos of empty streets around the world seem surreal. For some, they may signal a time of despair.

But listen, in the stillness, we hear birds instead of cars. The air smells sweet. People, so relieved to be outside for a brief walk, offer greetings to one another. No reason to check their phones.

We are thankful for the fresh loaf of bread or carrots from the farm.  We are grateful that the tiny neighborhood restaurant cleared out its tables to make room for some essential groceries. We complain about trying to breathe through a mask. Still, we are glad that everyone is respectful of the need to stay safely at a distance.

Life has slowed.

And the God of heaven is at work . . . even now.

Listen

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay

Matthew 28:6

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland

Isaiah 43:19

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.

Psalm 96:11