For the first time in weeks, I’m hearing the word “reopening.” As the world gave way to being pandemic vulnerable, we’re now trying to grasp post-pandemic possibilities. The data says it’s not over yet.

But regardless of how we feel about the pace of our new roll out, we’re in for more adjustments.

People face grief over the loss of a loved one. Some grapple with loss of income or the effects of a COVID-19 infection or some other illness. It may seem natural to frame our next steps as a “new normal.” But in this case, I’m not a fan of the phrase. Nothing about the pandemic’s impact is normal. However, there’s no denying some things will be new.

We’ll use more cautious ways to interact.  High fives, hugs and handshakes may be on hold for a while.

We’ll find more creative ways to connect. Zoom meetings and FaceTime may continue in their popularity.

We’ll need to avoid confusing ways of interpreting data. Otherwise, we may unwisely reopen too soon or delay what should move forward.

But this isn’t the first time the world has experienced a reopening.

Prior to humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had open access to God. But sin closed down the Garden, never to be opened again. (Genesis 3) However, after forty-two generations the access to God was fully restored.  

“By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.” (Hebrews10:20 NLT)

The debate continues over which places should open (and when they should open). Restaurants, schools and shopping malls are being considered, just to name a few.

And yet, the Most Holy Place is the throne room of God. It’s where we get access to His heart and where we offer Him our worship. We can come “through the curtain” confessing our sin, our hopes and our fears. Anytime.

We can come to Him from anywhere — whether it’s from our happy place or from the place of our deepest pain. Because before the pandemic and long after its exit, the new and life-giving way is paved with Christ’s redemption.

As much as we need vigorous debates on public health and economic policies, I need more than fluctuating opinions and a face mask.

Uneasiness is in the air. Cabin fever runs rampant in our homes. I pray for wisdom and compassion to saturate political and scientific minds. But Scripture is my source for seeking what God has in mind.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:23-24 NLT)

The new challenges set before us require new levels of faith from us. And yet, with all we’ve heard, seen or felt, our faith may feel a bit worn. But we can hold tightly to our hope, for God can be trusted.

His touch comes through our acts of love and good works; whether we are close or far apart from each other.

Even as I write this, I pray we’ll seek and discover His next steps. As we move forward from what used to be, God helps us walk in what needs to be. (Acts 17:28) It’s not new to Him. But He calls us to live a new and living way.