The Bible recounts many times of crisis in the story of
the people of Israel. One of those is described in II Chronicles 20. During the
reign of Jehoshaphat, the people of Judah were subjected to an enormous
invasion. The Scripture reports, “Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A
great multitude is coming against you.’” (II Chronicles 20:2) We of course are
experiencing an enormous invasion today – an invisible one, but no less
threatening.

What would King Jehoshaphat do? His primary response was
to pray. In his initial prayer, he
recalled the power of God. He said, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you are God
in heaven. You rule over all. In your hand are power and might . . .” (II
Chronicles 20:6)

There are many specific actions that we are all taking to respond to the coronavirus; but the Scripture reminds us that the most crucial action to take is to look to God. We need to remember that God is at work with power. God is here to sustain and guide. Prayer is the action of opening ourselves in trust to God, to experience anew God’s gracious help.