Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”.
We often find within the media at large articles about changes in the way we do things with society. These can range from football to climate change, from High Street to Online retail not to mention the move to home working. Then there are the personal changes in our lives, through circumstances or external forces. But we also find that making changes are sometimes very difficult and we may hear the inner voice that says. - “I am happy and, comfortable the way things are” or, “if it is not broken don’t fix it.”
The Pandemic has changed our way of thinking and living, whether we are ready for its relentless path or not. As we adapt to these changed circumstance and and anticipate easing back into our communities even the once familiar has changed and this will inevitably test of our trust in the Lord. It calls us to get on our knees in prayer and cry out to our Heavenly Father. They are transitions we go through in life when we move into new seasons: health challenges, getting back out to church, facing the virus epidemic.
Entering a New Normal is more difficult because it is the first time we have experienced a substantial new reality. Having patience, prayer, and faith, being flexible and trusting in God facilitates adjustment to any new situation. Adapting to change and focusing on God is necessary. With all the talk about how this virus will change lives, as we know it will, one thing we all know that it will not change the fact that we all still need the Christ who said that he was the way, the truth and the life.
When we hold to the past, we are letting ourselves be defined by what happened to us in the past rather than by what we choose to do now and in the future. This is a crucial choice that hugely determines the quality of our lives. Pray for the grace and wisdom to build on the past, yes, but choose to be defined by what God is doing now and promises to do in the future.
Loving God, Help us to focus on what we have not on what is removed or changed. Strengthen us when we feel discouraged or overwhelmed. Embrace us so that us we know your loving presence within us and among us. Walk with us as we bring your love, and carry your light, into our world. Amen.
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