“It’s not good that the human is alone.”

Then the LORD God said, “It’s not good that the human is alone…” Genesis 2:18 (CEB)

Six times “God saw that it was good” is declared during creation culminating in the last verse of Genesis 1, “God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good.” But at last, God looks at Adam and he laments, “It’s not good that the human is alone.” Certainly, there are times when we desire to be left alone and even need to be alone, but under normal circumstances, we need to be around other people in order to survive, let alone thrive.

The present circumstance of the Coronavirus pandemic has brought this point home for many people. We took for granted the ability and freedom to go to church or even gather in our homes and small groups. We may talk about how good it is to get away and be alone, until that is the only option. It is then that we realize that we need each other.

In the face of the pandemic, we are still finding ways to be connected. Modern technology allows us not only to talk to one another, but there is also video available. Some churches have been broadcasting their services over the Internet for some time, but now it seems that everyone realizes the necessity of doing so in order to offer support and encouragement to a congregation that has been told to “shelter in place.”

It was during a time of distress, that the Psalmist declared: “My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!” Psalm 42:4 (NLT)

Some have observed that after this pandemic, life may never be quite the same again. We can be confident that this crisis will pass and that treatments will be found, but there is an even more potent viral outbreak occurring for which medical science has no answer. During this time, fear has afflicted more people, by far, than the Coronavirus. The Bible offers the antidote to fear: “I asked the LORD for help, and he answered me. He saved me from all that I feared.” Psalm 34:4 (NCV)

The question that troubles me is this: what will happen to us and our churches when we are told that we can return to normal routines? Will we have become acclimated to a remote isolated existence, perhaps controlled by fear or will we have a renewed appreciation for what it means to be a member of a faith community? Will we remain in seclusion, wondering when the next alarm will sound, or will we be ready to embrace one another with open arms?

I am not sure that I know the answer to that question with any certainty, but I want to be with King David when he said, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let’s go to the LORD’s house!’” Psalm 122:1 (CEB) Remember it was God who said, “It’s not good that the human is alone.”