Pastor and author John Mark Comer frames COVID-19 isolation as chance for positive growth

The third of Liberty University’s livestreamed Convocations in the wake of COVID-19 was held on Friday, featuring pastor and author John Mark Comer highlighting the value and effects of the silence brought about by the pandemic and how it can be used as a chance to point back to God’s provision.

Liberty’s Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser reminded those watching that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a fallout in many areas of society, including the loss of jobs for many and the isolation through quarantine of one-third of the world’s population. This widespread influx of silence and separation, he suggested, may be an opportunity for developing positive habits and personal and spiritual growth.

“Although this pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, it is also resulting in more,” Nasser said. “A lockdown can also be looked at as a slow-down, where we have an opportunity to practice contemplative disciplines.”

Comer, who pastors Bridgetown Church in Portland, Ore., said the past week for his congregation has looked like many other communities nowadays with services moved to digital platforms, communication limited to video chats and telephone calls, and households practicing social distancing. Comer sees this physical separation as something done out of love, not fear, that can protect others who are at risk.

“We can do social distancing motivated by fear, self-preservation, hoarding, and isolation, or motivated by love and care for the vulnerable,” Comer said. “The elderly, the immunocompromised, those with underlying health conditions, and those who just lost their jobs are all in the margins of our society, and we need to do everything we can to give up our resources and to hold back in the form of social distancing.”

For those who have found themselves confined to their homes, the tendency for laziness and distraction through technology has become prevalent, but Comer said that this can be used as a time to recharge oneself in a more constructive way. He referenced his book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,” which focuses on the value of rest and eliminating modern distractions from God, and promoted the idea that these times of quiet can be used as a Sabbath of sorts.

“In the digital space, with Netflix and with online streaming, it’s easier to waste time, distract yourself, and up-tick your anxiety through clickbait news than it’s ever been before,” he said. “A big part of the book is a call to slow down, be present, get comfortable in the quiet regardless of your personality, and even embrace a sort of Sabbath. I think there is something here where there’s an invitation and an opportunity to rest and come to God in quiet, in prayer.”

Silence often results in reflection, Comer said, and that can bring attention to the thoughts and feelings that usually stay below the surface of one’s mind, such as fear, insecurity, or anger. However, when this time of emotional unearthing is spent with God, a peace can be found.

“One of the first things that happens is all of the things that were down in your soul and your gut come to the surface with no filter,” Comer said. “There’s an emotional arc to silence and solitude that a lot of people don’t stick with long enough to get to the really good part.”

Comer added that this is also an opportunity to minister to those nearby and be a bearer of God’s love to those caught up in anxiety.

“The biggest opportunity right now is to function as a non-anxious presence, to reach out when everybody is hiding, to check in on people, and be present and love to people, even if it is from a 6-foot distance or over Zoom,” Comer said. “If this continues, as people are quiet and more isolated and people ache for relationship and deep conversation and existential questions, I do think we’ll really come to the fore, but right now, we just need to be respectful of people’s space of fear.”

He closed by citing Scriptures that illustrate the peace of God in troubled times, including verses in Matthew 6 from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and Colossians 3, which contains the phrase, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

Next week’s Convocations will feature pastor Levi Lusko on Wednesday and Katherine and Jay Wolf on Friday.