Freelance writer and Speaker
‘Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ Colossians 3:12
That’s quite a list! On our own we probably couldn’t manage even one of them to any great degree. We don’t have to do it alone. We have the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. With Him we will manage to achieve this high standard.
At this time there are many people calling on the Lord in distress; those bereaved, sick, in poverty, isolated or fed up with the family. May we remember to speak to Him when things get better; He’s not just a God for bad times; we can praise Him too.
‘I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me.’ Psalm 120:1
I’m really struck by the fact that God knew about this pandemic before hand. Nothing takes Him by surprise. So He wants us to learn something from it. I wonder what that is.
‘I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me.’ Psalm 120:1
We all have nights when we can’t sleep, when our problems go round and round in our minds. I’ve found it’s possible to pray ourselves to sleep. By praying to God, not only with our problems but also with praise, refreshing sleep will come.
‘I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.’ Psalm 34:3
I wonder what the Lord is trying to teach us at this difficult time. He is teaching us all the time, if only we would listen and understand. It would be a shame to come out of the virus and not to have learned His will.
‘The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.’ Psalm 103:8
The afflicted are those who do not know the love of God and are particularly worried at this time. Let them look to our God, He will calm their worried spirits.
‘My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.’ Psalm 34:2
We do need God’s forgiveness and mercy, Though we do not deserve anything from Him. As a city, nation and world we need to ask for God’s forgiveness. We have got things so wrong, individually and collectively. We so need His mercy now.
‘Have mercy on me O God, according to Your unfailing love, according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.’ Psalm 51:1
In difficult time it can be hard to praise the Lord, but there is so much to be thankful. People are finding ways to be kind and helpful to others. Folk are thinking of neighbours. We pray that this kindness will continue.
‘I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.’
Psalm 34:1
We all have nights when we can’t sleep and our problems go round and round. The hours go by and the refreshing sleep eludes us. I’ve found it’s possible to pray ourselves to sleep. Not particularly bringing our problems to Him but giving praise.
‘I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.’ Psalm 34:3
Christ sees us not just who we are but who we can become.
‘Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here.’ 2 Corinthians 5:17
I have been renewed by Christ, but oh dear I still sin. That is because I am human. But there is hope in him.