I am delighted to be back from a mini- sabbatical which was very unique in a number of ways, but I give thanks to God for the gift of rest, prayer/praise.
As I write this, our nation is going through what I call a Pan-crisis. This means we are going through numerous crisis at the same time and in real time. We are facing the challenges of the post pandemic era, the cost of living crisis, the period of national mourning following the death our Monarch HM The Late Queen Elizabeth II, the economic crisis caused by the policies of the recently installed Conservative Government and the leadership crisis in the Conservative Government.
In these trying and challenging times, our faith in God is one thing we have to hold on to in these times. Trusting God in the midst of the fear and anxiety evoking situations we face, national and personally, is both, wise and sensible as Christians. The idea of trusting God and following Christ no matter what happens is – I am sure – something that will be sneered at by some in our world.
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God and believe also in me” (John 14:1)
As people of God, I pray that we may find God’s peace, wisdom and grace in these times of economic turmoil, the nature of which we have seen in a long time, that we will support the weak and look out for the vulnerable and needy amongst us.
I returned from my mini-sabbatical to a new nation headed by a new Monarch King Charles III, let’s pray for The King and the Royal family as they too, mourn the passing of their Mum, HM Queen Elizabeth II. We have also seen the shortest reign of a British Prime Minister in our history. And, pray also for a stable government in our country. The difficulties and challenges of modern politics are obvious for all to see. Our country needs politicians who are concerned about the difficulties of the masses. The increase in energy costs and food prizes, the ongoing Putin’s war in Ukraine and the refugee crisis facing our nation and world, it’s heart breaking.
These are very worrying times and anxiety building too, but remember we have a God who loves us and cares about us in his son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 AMP)
Our prayers today is for God to comfort us all as we mourn the passing of our late Monarch HM Queen Elizabeth II – trusting the Lord of all comfort to hold us in his almighty hands. Pray for peace in Ukraine and all the troubled parts of our world. Pray for God’s grace and blessing on King Charles III, long may He reign over us in peace, justice and equity. Pray for unity in the governing Conservative party and in the Church and community for peace instead of anxiety and hope instead of despair through Christ.
Shalom.
