I may be biased but I think that Ireland is a particularly spectacular land. Its lush rolling hills, rugged coastlines and when the sun shines it just seems to show it all off for us! There’s nowhere else like it in this world, God really made it a special place and I’m thankful to live here.
As I type we are in the middle of what has been declared a global pandemic, for many of us, life as we have known it has slowed down and lockdown is in place which is causing anxiety for many. However, some are choosing to see it as a time of refocusing and rest with family; a time to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. As I was out this morning for a walk (during my single permitted form of daily exercise!) I was reminded of the newness of spring: new blossoms, new scents, new life! Wee baby lambs are starting to jump in the fields with their mothers. This morning, as I approached a small flock of lambs and their mothers they scattered! They immediately sensed danger and their instinct even at just a few weeks old was to run to their mother for security and comfort.
In Psalm 46:1 we are reminded that “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Like the lambs running to their mothers, as believers in Christ, we can run to our Heavenly Father; we can find our refuge, strength, peace and protection in Him. He is always near and ready to help us in times of trouble. Further down the Psalm in verse 10 it says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.” We are commanded to “be still”; to rest knowing that the Creator of the universe and the one who created each one of us is in control. His name will be honoured in Ireland as it will also be throughout the rest of the world.
So in times of uncertainty around health, governments and the economy, we can choose to lean on God, knowing that if we are His children, the same power, the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of us. Nothing is impossible for Him and through Him, all things work together for good. He is in control and His name will be glorified!
Father, we thank You for the beautiful island of Ireland, for its landscape and for the people that live here. We thank You that in the midst of what is portrayed as mayhem and mess that You are in control and that we can have Your peace. Father, I pray that people would turn to You, that faith would be renewed and that people would choose to walk in Your ways and Your purposes for their lives and not what they have chosen for themselves. We pray for our governments that they would make the right choices for this land and that ultimately Your name would be glorified. Father, move in Your might and power. In Your mighty and gracious name, I pray, Amen.