The darkest valley
And so it came to pass, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced some further easing of lock down restrictions this week. As of the 4th of July, restaurants, pubs and hairdressers will reopen in England, the 2 metre distancing rule is being reduced to 1m ‘plus’ and cinemas, museums and other attractions will also open their doors again... hooray!
Over these last 13 weeks there has been one Psalm that I have heard pop up on many occasions. It’s the classic, Psalm 23! This is probably King David’s most famous poem, and the words have been a source of comfort and hope to many. Verse four says this...
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
I think a long dark valley is a great metaphor for describing what we have been going through and the thing is nobody knows how long it is! Even with these new steps in easing, we are still a long way from ‘normal’ life pre-coronavirus.
But this Palms give us hope! Even when David was in his dark valley he did not fear. Why? Because God was with him. And there is more...
When in a dark place you need a light! Jesus said of himself ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ (John 8:12 The NIV Bible)
When you are not sure of the way ahead you need a guide or a compass. Jesus also said of himself ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’ (John 14:6 The NIV Bible)
As we continue through this dark valley and as lock down begins to soften there will be fresh challenges for all of us. Take heart because God is with us, Jesus is the light and He is the way. Today, put your trust in Jesus. He is with you, He is your light, He is the way!
Also, why not check out our live stream service every Sunday at 10:30am, simply go to www.hopebasingstoke.org/livestream
Stay safe
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader