I left work today, another long day, in the middle of the Omicron variant surge in our pandemic. It seems like whenever we get used to the pandemic, Covid throws us another curve ball. Delta was a game changer. Omicron is proving to be yet another game changer. We adapt, but the virus keeps adapting too. My least favorite saying is “the only constant is change.” And with each change comes uncertainty. What will it be like this time? Will the vaccines hold? How much more transmissible will it be? Will it be more or less “virulent”? (That’s our way of saying, “how bad will the infection be if I catch it?”)

One of my patients whom I saw today came in for a routine follow-up. He mentioned some very vague symptoms to my medical assistant, so I put on my full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) just in case. I had him get a COVID-19 test and yes, he was positive. On the drive home, thoughts raced through my head. How long was I in the room this time? How close was I to the patient? Did I wear everything right? Was my mask tightly sealed? Did I don and doff correctly? Did I wipe everything down? Will Omicron punch through my PPE? Will it punch through my 3 vax shots? Will I bring it home to my wife and my kids? Is this the day I get it?

Every day, we walk in lives that are fluid and uncertain. How do we calm our anxious hearts? I was reminded of the verse:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This verse speaks to me deeply. Do not fear, Elton. Do not be dismayed. HE will strengthen me. HE will help me. HE will uphold me. In His right hand. Why His right hand? Why not left? His right hand symbolizes the pinnacle of His strength. I find comfort in that thought. When life gets crazy and uncertain, He will hold me in that hand, His strongest hand. And He will hold yours too.