Practicing “social distancing” sounds odd, but is a part of my life for the foreseeable future. All because of some tiny virus we can’t see. How the mighty have been humbled!
Pandemic is a word rarely used in my lifetime. It is serious, and should be prompting believers to pray. Not just for ourselves and loved ones, but the whole community needs prayer and love- the entire world needs Christians to be calling on God for mercy and healing.
I’m allowed out for fresh air and exercise, so went down to Pagham Harbour to see the birds on the RSPB wetlands. Quite a few geese, curlews, other unidentified waders, and at least one kestrel. This is what the reserve looks like behind the sea wall:
Reed beds hid another treasure. The most beautiful song was coming from hidden warblers. Out of sight, but filling the air with a poignant melody- it was a precious few minutes. On a day full of human bad news, in a place recently flooded by storms, and in dead reeds lining a muddy stream bed, a little bit of heavenly music spoke of hope.
Sometimes life is hidden. We have to look for it, search for it, even long for it.
Both Old and New Testaments speak of the Life of God which may be hidden BUT is discovered by those who seek wholeheartedly. Jeremiah spoke to a nation full of remorse and facing exile from everything they truly loved. Jesus taught and revealed the nature of God, the Love that longs to be found.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT) “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Luke 11:9 (NLT) “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
Hidden life is there to be discovered, to be received, appreciated, and enjoyed. Perhaps this “virus crisis” will increase our hunger to know God and His ways. If we will pray and seek, look and find, the perilous days may yet become a time of blessing and new hope.
Grace and peace be yours; may God keep you in His Love.
The Reflectionary 