Reflection for Sunday 19.4.20
How are you all doing out there, family? God has His eye on each ‘bubble’ and every precious soul in it. Trusting you are keeping safe and staying well. Connect as you can, enjoy each other, and enjoy the Lord. Whatever the decision on Monday, it is clear that restrictions will continue for some time yet. Philippians 4:11 – I have learnt the secret of being content in any and every situation.
Here in NZ we are blessed to have wise and compassionate leaders. We need to keep upholding them in prayer as they make difficult and wide-reaching decisions, and pray that these will bring the best outcome now and into the years ahead. 1 Timothy 2:1,2 – I urge then … that all petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority.
It is also reassuring to know that over and above our Government, and above all other world leaders, is our all-loving, all-powerful God. However much we feel the whole world has been turned upside-down by Covid-19, we can be sure that God is still on the throne. He has not changed. His arm is not shortened that He cannot lift us or hold us through this. His unconditional love and faithfulness are constant and everlasting. We can absolutely trust His promises: Hebrews 13:5 – God has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” During Lockdown, there are people busy on the frontline, juggling work and children at home, feeling overwhelmed, isolated, trying to pay the bills… Philippians 4:19 – My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. God knows each situation and longs for us to ask His help: wisdom, patience, strength, provision, comfort. And always “underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut. 33:27
Some of us have more time and fewer distractions – a perfect opportunity to reconnect or deepen our relationship with the Lord Jesus – to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus by continuing His work. Right now there is a lot of anxiety and fear around, and these feelings must surely be heightened in those without faith in God. As Christians we have hope and the treasure of the Gospel, along with the responsibility of Jesus’ Great Commission – Matthew 28:20. This is a time to put our faith into action, seeking the guidance and enabling of the Holy Spirit – to reach out with loving support and words of life in whatever ways are permissible during these weeks, so that through the very real pain and sacrifice there will also come a harvest for the Kingdom. I encourage us all to do this. There is nothing so faith-building as stepping out of our comfort-zone for God and proving His presence and strength.
The health and economies of the world are being devastated, but we can still rejoice in the Lord, and proclaim His greatness, power and love. Habakkuk 3:17, 18 – Though the fig tree does not bud, … yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. May the words, music, and beautiful images of these songs inspire you to worship and praise our wonderful Creator, Saviour, and Anchor of our souls. Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace.
