Create a peaceful space to pause, and allow yourself to feel God’s presence alongside you, as near to you as your own breath. In following the reflection below, as a church we will draw closer to God and to one another as we grow in faith and deepen our sense of belonging to God.
Isaiah 40:28-31 ‘The Perpetual Faithfulness of God’
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
30 Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
For months now we’ve been listening to predictions that bring us worry and doubt about the future for our families our friends and ourselves. We cannot help but be concerned about what is happening in our own country and around the world, not only because of the pandemic but because of the injustices that are occurring both near and far. We cannot escape the fact that these past months have been difficult and for some they have been very traumatic. But it is important to remain positive, not just for ourselves but in order to help those around us who may be struggling, and there is a particular concern for our young people who face an uncertain future. So in the face of all of this adversity how can we as Christians remain positive?
Surely our strength and comfort comes from a God who loves us and promises never to leave us? A God who will find ways to give us all we need each day, and ways to turn our weariness and worry into feelings of joy. The definition of the word joy is ‘an attitude of the heart’ so, when we pray to God with love and thanksgiving, by His grace may our negative thoughts turn to heartfelt thankfulness and joy for the knowledge of His unconditional love and continued guidance and protection.
I will praise you Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done.
I will sing with joy because of you. I will sing praise to you, Almighty God.
(Psalm 9:1)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that in this time of uncertainty,
we can always turn to you for guidance and reassurance.
We pray for our young people who have worries and concerns about their schooling
and future prospects and for parents and family who are trying to help and support them.
We think of many who have lost golden moments of sharing special days with loved ones,
those who feel traumatised by this pandemic,
and for all who need the awareness of your love.
We thank you for understanding our concerns and fears
and being our constant companion in the good times and the bad.
Whatever tomorrow brings, may we always find joy in worshipping you. Amen.
Reflection © 2020 Nancy Davis.
Image by James Martin © ROOTS for Churches Ltd www.rootsontheweb.com
A printable version of this Daily Devotional can be downloaded from here
All material within this order of worship is reproduced by permission under CCL 1226356