Day 43  -  March 31

Malcolm Frazier

Rebound ~ Psalm 70

Am I going to die?  That was the question that came to mind when I was told by a staff person from the Maryland Department of Health that I had tested positive for the coronavirus.  Am I going to die?  That was the question upon which I reflected at night in bed, when I had difficulty falling asleep because I could not catch my breath.  My body was slightly convulsing in response.

I identify with the psalmist’s lament who cries out to God for deliverance.  I had not been in the hospital since I was twenty-five; yet, shortly after my coronavirus diagnosis I became seriously ill and was admitted.  Am I going to die?  I was in spiritual turmoil, asking myself why this was happening.

I ride a spiritual rollercoaster during Holy Week.  The mockers in the Psalm mirror Jesus’ enemies who plotted to take his life.  Jesus endured physical and mental turmoil; and came to a point of resignation in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He would rebound after his week of passion.   While I was recovering from the coronavirus a curious thing happened – I became content, still not knowing if I would fully recover; yet I was engulfed with a sense of peace.  I stopped struggling with the uncertainty and came to a point of resignation.  Shortly thereafter, I completely recovered from the coronavirus and I have had no lingering symptoms.  The Lord’s presence helped me during that journey, and I was able to rebound.