But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
James 1:17-18
So we find ourselves in uncertain times again. It may be helpful to acknowledge that we can expect our levels of anxiety to be heightened at this time – this is natural when it comes to times of uncertainty and change and when we are concerned for the health and wellbeing of our loved ones and community. It is also important to keep a broader perspective to our lives and to keep in mind the many things we are grateful for. What a blessing it has been to have been so sheltered from the immediate impacts of having some level of COVID in our community for so long. We continue to pray not just for our own communities but particularly those around our nation and around our world who are affected by COVID in a much bigger way than we perhaps are.
James, in his letter to a group of people who were suffering persecution because of their faith and uncertain of their future, writes that the one thing we can always be sure of is that God is good and perfect and does not change. He is the one that brings new life in tough times, the strength to persevere, and the true hope that we are children in his family. I think it’s really helpful and important to see our communities that we are a part of as family. If you are part of a family you are related – and you can’t get away from that (even if we’d quite like to!). There is something bigger that holds us together. Let me encourage you always, but particularly at these times of increased challenge, to be kind to your family, at home, at school, whatever ‘families’ you are a part of. Go out of your way to check in with one another, be patient with one another, and to pray for one another. Don’t forget that God gives us everything we need for each day.
Reverend Ben Bleby
Associate Chaplain