Covid-19 Adjusting To A New Normal Series

Adjusting to a new normal

We are living in a way we would have never imagined a couple of weeks ago. COVID-19 reminds us of our frailty and vulnerability. This is a time of great concern for everyone, it will involve suffering and many will experience the sadness of bereavement. To stop the spread of coronavirus we have gone into lockdown. We have been told to stay at home and socially distance ourselves.

Non-essential shops have closed. The UK government has stopped all gatherings of more than two people in public and every church has suspended all services, gatherings and events. Thankfully God has enabled us to stay connected using technology solutions. We are now live streaming a Sunday service, and producing two short videos on Tuesday and Thursday. We have also launched a YouTube video channel and our audio sermons are available on Spotify and iTunes.

Psalm 23 is such a wonderful psalm for this moment. We are reminded of the sovereign care of The Lord, our Shepherd. God cares for each of us personally with the provision He makes for us in this life and the next. Psalm 23 promises His presence with us even as we ‘walk through the valley of the shadow of death’. God is with us, He will lead us, we shall ‘dwell in the house of the Lord forever’.

As Christians we have a glorious assurance in Jesus, Romans 8:37-39 reminds us: despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now is a time of extraordinary opportunities to love and serve those around us and to speak to those who have no knowledge of Jesus about the benefits of being known by him. For those without Christ, this is a time of even greater anxiety—even panic. We have a glorious gospel to offer them. Pray earnestly for an opportunity to help others and to speak of the love of Jesus, the promise of forgiveness and the certain hope of eternal life in Him.