Lockdown
And so we are in lock down! Our Government has told us to stay at home in order to save lives. Everything is closed except food shops, pharmacists and petrol stations. The streets and parks are remarkably quiet. Its eerie, like a scene in a post-apocalyptic movie!
Like you, I am coming to terms with this new ‘normal’, adjusting to being home-based and trying to stay connected with friends, family and God!
Life has changed and I feel like my faith is being stretched. The Bible and history speak of periods of testing that people have gone through. These days are not easy, so where do we turn for hope?
Psalm 27 has been a great help to me this week! It was written by King David when he faced great hardship...
“The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”
David’s confidence was in God. Because of that security he was able face whatever came against him. God was David’s stronghold.
If you have ever read the life of David you will know that he was not free from trouble or pain. However, his relationship with God gave him a strength to face such hardships. David knew that being close and connected to God was key; that was his light and salvation.
In these difficult times God is there for us too! No one knows how long these ‘troubles’ will last. For me, facing them with God is better than alone. God is my stronghold, my light and my salvation, and He can be that for you as well.
Perhaps you have never read the Bible or prayed before? Let me encourage you to read Psalm 27, and before you do, pray first. Ask God to speak to you directly from this psalm.
Stay safe
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader