Time to stop and think?
by Myrtle Lacey
Today is the second anniversary of the first lockdown in England when we were instructed to ‘stay at home’, in order to control the emerging Coronavirus pandemic. The Marie Curie charity has designated it as a ‘National Day of Reflection’, encouraging us to think of all who have lost their lives and the countless people who are still grieving and remembering their loved ones. Spare some time to stop and think of them today.
There has been many opportunities for ‘reflection’ – defined as ‘deep and careful thinking’ – over this two year period, particularly in those days when normal everyday life had to be put on hold and we found we had time on our hands. Many people have taken the chance to reassess their priorities and how they were spending their time, and much has changed irreversibly. Despite being told that things are now returning to some sort of normality, there is still much uncertainty – the virus has not yet gone away!
We live in a world that is constantly changing and there seems little in life that can be relied upon. We have only to look at the devastating situation in Ukraine to see the stark reality of how lives can be turned upside down and destroyed in a matter of days. As they, and many others around this troubled world, long for peace and stability, what can we offer them? The one thing that remains totally unshakeable and certain is the love of God for each one of us that nothing can ever destroy!
Romans 8: 38-39
‘For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us’. (Living Bible)
The words of the song ‘Everywhere’ by John Gowans invite us to stop and think about that totally reliable and trustworthy love. Listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIdgfqld6vM
- Have you ever stopped to think how God loves you?
It sounds quite incredible, and yet it’s true.
Nothing on this earth or in the heavens above,
Is as sure and certain as God’s love.
O it’s as high as the sky,
And it’s as deep as the sea,
and it’s as wide as the world,
God’s love for you and for me.
We can’t escape His love,
Or take ourselves out of His care,
So where can we hide from His love?
His love is everywhere. His love is everywhere. - Everything is changing in the world today,
There’s one thing reliable in every way.
Other things may alter but it’s clear and plain,
That the love of God is just the same. - Wider than the mind can realise,
His love is unlimited and never dies;
Though we don’t deserve His love, every day it’s new;
That’s the love of God for me and you.
