Psalm 46: 1-3
- God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help us in times of trouble.
- So we will be not afraid even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths;
- even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by violence.
I write these words on a beautiful autumn morning; the sun is highlighting the autumn hues, the chaffinches are clinging to the feeder and late blooming roses lift their head.
Yesterday was so very different; the surrounding hills were veiled in grey mists, the rain fell steadily and a violent wind stripped the trees of their remaining leaves.
We complain about the weather in this corner of the UK but how fortunate we are not to have to endure the extreme weather conditions prevalent in other parts of the world.
Wherever we live, however, very few of us escape the storms of life which can sometimes be as equally devastating as a meteorological storm. The current pandemic has, in some cases, had a dramatic effect on peoples’ lives, resulting in the loss of livelihoods and homes. Even where economic hardship is not a concern, lack of physical contact with family and friends and the uncertainty as to when this will end is causing great worry and sadness.
Thankfully, we can cling to the hope that God is our refuge and strength in all storms, that he knows when this pandemic will be brought under control, and that he works for good in all situations, even pandemics.
