Somehow this coronavirus has changed nearly everything for us - working life, family contacts, church activities, shopping patterns and much more. We are really missing some of these, but we are learning to cope and are adapting remarkably well. When things get back to (more) normal, will we still benefit from the lessons we are learning just now?
We are learning that there are many things we can do without, and that many other things are more important than we thought, things that perhaps we have been taking for granted. For example:
- · People and relationships are much more important than possessions and crowds.
- · Family and friends matter more than fame and fortune.
- · Life and health are better than prestige and wealth.
- · Co-operating and caring are better than competing and criticising.
- · Contentment and peace are better than ambition and strife.
- · Faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.
We are learning that it is appropriate to express our emotions a bit more.
- · Properly appreciating our health service which we maybe took for granted before.
- · Acknowledging the dedication of those who work so hard for our well-being; feel a throb, shed a tear for those of them who have died.
- · Taking the opportunity to help people who are vulnerable and housebound, discovering good neighbours and friends. Being kind, a language everyone understands.
- · Communicating more with each other by whatever means we can, when we are not able to be together.
There was real fear when the virus was coming our way, but most of us did not think it would get so bad. Now there is real concern and grief and tears as many thousands in our country have died, many more worldwide, some without loved ones beside them, and without proper funeral services to provide comfort and closure.
Times like these remind us of the fragility and uncertainty of all our lives. We are made to stop and think, to reassess our priorities. We are not invincible. A tiny, unseen thing, a virus smaller than a speck of dust, has all but crippled whole countries and their industries and economies. Science cannot solve all our problems. We are not the ones in control.
Surely God is speaking to the world and calling us to seek Him during these hard times, for we often forget Him at other times when life is smooth. He is not oblivious to our plight and peril. He hears us when we call upon Him and He promises present help to those who humbly do this.
Remember again how the Lord Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11.28). He gives us His peace and His rest when we come to Him in these uncertain times. He gives us present salvation from sin and a sure hope of heaven if we turn and put our whole trust in Him.
On the cruel cross He took the heavy burden of our sins, giving His life to save us. Now at God’s right hand in heaven, He takes the burden of our sorrows and concerns, supporting us each day when we come and ask Him. “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5.7)
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Oh yes He cares; I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief,
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Saviour cares.
Written by Bert Cargill, Scotland and used by kind permission.
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