For this week’s Worship Wednesday, new staff writer Kelli Baker shares what God is teaching her about being in the trenches of the Covid crisis all together.

In This All Together

Now, more than ever, the feeling of being together invades every moment of my day. No longer are the days when we could come and go as we please. No more impromptu visits with friends. And no more buckling up in the car for a trip to a new destination. The phrase “being together” takes on a whole new meaning. 

In a way, it reminds me of basic training. There was literally not one moment of the day where you were alone. Even as you lay in bed at night, lights out, seven other women filled the space of the room we occupied together. Being surrounded by all these people still left a feeling of loneliness and despair within. We came from different backgrounds and each had our own unique story. Yet, come graduation, the experiences we had together formed an undeniable bond.

That’s how God wants us to feel during this time of social distancing and isolation.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV

This new song called Together by King and Country features Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin and speaks to those who are broken and hurting. I’m not sure what this season has introduced into your life. Maybe it’s uncertainty or loneliness. Perhaps it’s a feeling of being smothered by those who are constantly around you. Or maybe it’s a feeling of fear. Whatever it is, we are all in this together. 

One of my first trips out was to Home Depot. Donning my face mask, I entered the building and was shocked at how many people were there. Suddenly a rush of anxiety swept over me. I began sweating. What in the world is this? Why am I feeling so overcome by this anxiety? Then I reached out to a friend and described my feelings. She began to explain she had a similar experience when she went out, but then she pointed me back to Jesus. 

God knows the outcome of all of this. 

He wants us to draw near to him when we begin to have these feelings. When we don’t have the strength to do it alone, we have our community to lean on. My friend’s authenticity reminded me that I am not alone. Not only do I have the Father to lean on, but I also have the community he placed around me to support me. Just as we are stuck in the trenches of this COVID together right now, God promises that we are stronger when we rely on one another. 

When we have each other, we will not be broken and we will rise above it all together. 

by Kelli Baker