25th March 2020. Daily Devotion.

Wednesday March 25th 2020

Good day, everyone,

I read this yesterday in an article about coping with isolation and quietness:

“This is what most religions promise in times of fear — not immediate deliverance, but the hope that suffering and failure are not final. This does not release anyone from worry and heavy responsibility. But it does promise that worry and responsibility don’t need to consume us. It promises that a voice of reassurance can speak out of the silence. It promises that the stillness of a pounding heart can be replaced by the stillness of a wise trust.

In our nation’s long, involuntary lent, fear abounds. We should oppose it with all we have, for as long as we can. But when we come to the end of our strength and lie back, the universe will hold us.” WP

The writer does not claim to be Christian, is possibly atheist, but in the end, he is saying without realising it what Moses said to the tribe of Asher, “The eternal God is your refuge, underneath are the everlasting arms” Deuteronomy 33:27

Here is another blessing from Deuteronomy 33:12

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

And from Jesus himself: John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “

Our faith is based upon the One who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ who created and sustains the universe.

Today may I encourage you to pray for refugees from Syria struggling to find refuge in countries battling the Covid 19 epidemic.

Pray for the healing of Italy.

Pray for NHS personnel in the front line of care and who are anxious about their own safety, yet selflessly go to work.

Almighty, all-merciful God, through Christ Jesus You have taught us to love one another, to love our neighbours as ourselves, and even to love our enemies. In this time of testing, let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, so that we may not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. Help us to see each person in light of the love and grace you have shown us in Christ. Put away the nightmares of terror and awaken us to the dawning of your new creation. Establish among us a future where peace reigns, justice is done with mercy, and all are reconciled. We ask these things in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

PCUSA