CCBC

I need Jesus’ words – 10 January 2021

Friday morning was the first morning, so far this lockdown, that I really began to struggle.  I remember waking early in the morning, coming down stairs, grabbing my coffee and sitting down to read my Bible.  But before I opened the application on my phone I foolishly turned to my news application instead.  For about fifteen minutes I became lost in a whirlpool of sadness, stress, frustration and despair.  With every scroll of my finger I could feel myself getting sucked further and further down into the deep.  It was here that I heard the words “Just listen to My voice.”  I knew in that moment that Jesus was speaking to me and calling me out towards Him.

It is incredibly easy to become lost under the weight of lockdown.  Some of you might feel lonely and lost; you’re missing the regular contact with people and going outside to exercise is a struggle in this weather.  Others of you may have been furloughed and are facing the challenge of trying to find a new pattern to life, perhaps trying to find purpose, and ways to fill the day.  Many, I know, are struggling with suddenly having to home school whilst working full-time jobs.  Rather than having time to fill, you’re struggling to find time to rest!  If you’re working for the NHS right now, I’m sure you must feel like you’re struggling to breathe.  Still more are wrestling with anxiety; with the number of infections rising, loved ones sick, maybe you yourself are vulnerable to the virus.  Wherever you are, whatever the situation you find yourself in this morning, I want you to know that I’m praying for you, and that God is with you.

The challenge for each of us is to fight against the weight and pressure before us, in all its various forms.  But we also need to receive the words of Jesus afresh in these challenging times.  When I was spiralling downwards, Jesus’ words gave me some much needed perspective as I opened the Bible and heard His voice again.  For my wife she has held these particular words closely to her, and I have now as well:  Jesus, in Matthew 6:34, says:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.”

He reminds us to keep life simple.  We can make it so complicated and lose perspective.  But there is a simplicity found when hearing the words of Jesus and being reminded of His love.  Whatever you’re doing, wherever you are, I’d encourage you to make time everyday to hear the words of Jesus for yourself.

God bless you,

Luke