How quickly things change! Here in the UK, winter has been slowly slipping away and the prospect of warmer weather is on the horizon. Many of us were planning for the summer, but all of a sudden, life looks very different. Around the world, tourism has ground to a halt, borders are closing, hospitals are filling, shoppers are panic-buying, many countries are locked down and worst of all, some families are losing loved ones; all because of a virus we cannot see. It’s at times like this that we recognise our own fragility. How do we make sense of what is happening?

There’s no denying that we live in a broken world, yet even now we see and hear of people’s love and generosity overcoming anxiety and greed. For instance, a Glasgow café is delivering soup to those in ‘at-risk groups’, and a hotel in Portaferry, County Down, is offering to deliver free dinners to those who are confined to their homes. In fact all of a sudden people throughout the country are helping their neighbours. But where else do we find reassurance and security?

Peter, one of the first followers of Jesus, who himself lived in uncertain times, wrote this:

“Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7 ICB)

We carry many burdens through life, whether they are financial or health concerns, relationship or employment issues or even the worry of just making it through each day. The best way to lift those burdens is often to talk to your Creator. Find a quiet space, and tell Him what’s troubling you – His ears are always open.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.”
(Phil. 4:6 NLT)

Our Creator knows what we’re going through. He reminds us in the Scriptures that we needn’t fear:

“God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be 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 …
Be still, and know that I am God!”
(Psalm 46:1-3, 10)

Instead we can make up our minds to be strong and courageous, trusting our Creator, because we know that He loves us and that whatever happens in life, He is in control.

“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid … Don’t be frightened, because the Lord your God will go with you. He will not leave you or abandon you.”
(Deut. 31:6)

Jesus offers us His peace:

“I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. … Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid.”
(John 14:27 NIRV)

May God’s love for you and the peace that is beyond all understanding carry you through the days ahead.

For further help, check out: This Too Shall Pass