“When the earth and all its people quake, It is I who hold its pillars firm.” Psalm 75:3(NIV)
We know only too well the disorder we’re dealing with at present and how, on so many fronts, Covid-19 is shaking the pillars of our life. Knowing there is no geographical, political or social boundary that can contain it, stress and anxiety levels have increased. In the media we can find lots of suggestions for strategies to help us deal with the effects of all this upon our mental health.
Recently, I was greatly struck when a friend pointed me to Colossians 1:20 as it is rendered in The Message “… all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe – people and things, animals and atoms – get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his [Jesus’] death, his blood that poured down from the Cross.”
People, things, animals … God is interested in all these and the atoms that make them up. He created them and they are all held together in His Son – as The Message puts it, “He [Christ] was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.” (Colossians 1:17)
Apart from the virus, there are many reasons why, even in normal times, we may feel the pillars of our world are being shaken and why the foundations of our lives may feel uncertain. We may experience loss, relationship difficulties or financial problems. For various reasons we may not feel sure about our purpose, identity or about our sense of belonging. These are significant things that matter to us and affect how we try to navigate life.
These times when we feel things are not very secure can often be the opening when we allow God to reach through to us and we reach out to God. He really does want to look after “all the broken and dislocated pieces” of our lives. Through Jesus these can “get properly fixed … all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross.” This is the amazing worth that each of us is to God and the measure of how much we matter to Him. You are loved by Him and you matter.
Psalm 103:8-10 (The Message)
God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
Psalm 62:5,6 (New Living Translation)
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
Father God, thank You that You care about the things that happen in my life. Thank You that You are the Creator and You created me. Thank You for Your sure and gentle presence that holds me when I don’t feel safe. Thank You Jesus, that because I matter to You so much You gave up Your life for me. Thank You that You love me and invite me to come into the safety of Your care. Father, I also pray for other people in Ireland who feel their lives are being shaken at this time. Please help us to trust our lives to You along with everything we are and have. I agree Your way is best for us all in this land – help us to put our hope in You. May Your kingdom come here, in Jesus’ name. Amen