Certainty (Amy Carrielies)
When we’re in isolation it’s hard to work out how everyone’s handling the changes going on. What’s happened in just the last week has been huge and so first of all, however you are, that’s absolutely fine. The people I’ve spoken to have described feelings of being anxious and sad, sometimes saying that it comes in waves, sometimes saying it’s just always there. Other people are managing to see the blessings, which is amazing. Stay close to people like that; their positivity will lift you up too. Seeing as the whole world is facing this at the moment, you can guarantee that however you’re doing, someone else is the same. You really aren’t alone.
So what can we do in these unusual times –
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things
Colossians 3:2
There’s so much pulling at our focus; there’s always another news report, another opinion, another post on Facebook. But we need to try to remember that our confidence and our strength doesn’t come from our job, our home, our health, our comforts or anything else that’s pulling at your fears. Our confidence comes from the rock beneath our feet. This rock is strong – it has never moved and it never will. Imagine setting your feet in concrete; it doesn’t matter how bad the storm is that blows around you, how many waves that hit you, your feet will not move. This is a storm that we are going to have to weather but we will do it.
We need to see this time for what it is – it’s a test, a battle. It is the ultimate way to divide us. We can’t sit close to reach other, hug each other, or even just meet together. But we will not be divided. We must stand firm. We are a family, but we are also an army, and we will not be moved or divided. And the reason we will not be moved is because the rock beneath our feet is our God.
So let’s remind ourselves of the things we can be certain of – we know God is good, God is faithful, God says you are precious, He says you’re worth dying for – and have confidence in them. The firmer our feet, the taller we can stand.
So the first thing I would say is this – just stand.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still
Exodus 14:14
Keep trying to spend some time with God every day; shut the door, leave your phone on the other side of it with its notifications and BBC news updates. Even if you don’t feel you have anything to say, or you’re just feeling lost at the moment, stand with Him for a bit. When I found out the church wasn’t going to meeting at the college for the moment, that was all I could do. I didn’t actively pray. I think the only words I might have said were ‘I’m not ok with this’. But God waits for those moments when you stand with Him. In that moment, He gave me an image of a huge hand resting over my entire body, like the wing of a mother hen over its chick, protecting, loving and calming all at the same time.
I’ve put a few verses at the end of this and I’d encourage you to read them and I’d also encourage you to listen to the song Way Maker – remind yourself who He is. Turn the volume up and sing it out to Him. Let loose; we’re not in the college so no one’s watching!
I’d like to share this Celtic Blessing with you: –
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
1 Samuel 2:2
There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one beside you; there is no Rock like our God.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Psalm 18:32-33
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my ways secure.
Psalm 62:2
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still
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