Thought for the Day

‘’ I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust’’ (Psalm 91:2)

‘’And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’’ (Matthew 28.20)

The words lockdown, social distancing and self - isolating, burnt into our consciousness, will resonate with us for many years to come. What will be our enduring memory, I wonder? What difference will this experience make in our lives? Already there are many wonderful examples of selfless action, courage and compassionate care in our community, from both Christians and non Christians, but what is different for the believer is the knowledge that God is always there for us: no lockdown, no isolation, no distancing between us and God unless we distance ourselves from Him. We have what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, parted from our normal cycle of activity, to spend more time in God’s presence, listen to His voice and search how we might better serve Him in our lives.

Parallels have been drawn between coronavirus and the Second World War. The following words have recently come to my attention. They speak to our time.

Written by C.S.Lewis in 1942…

Satan ‘’I will cause anxiety, fear and panic. I will shut down business, schools, places of worship and sport events. I will cause economic turmoil’’.

Jesus ‘’I will bring together neighbours, restore the family unit. I will bring dinner back to the kitchen table. I will help people slow down their lives and appreciate what really matters. I will teach my children to rely on me and not their money and materials resources.’’

Prayer

Most loving Father,

William Bright (1824 - 1904)

Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties

And grant that no clouds of this mortal life

May hide from us the light of that love which is immortal

And which you have manifested unto us in your Son

Jesus Christ our Lord,