March 15, 2020
Well, this is different, isn’t it? Right now we would be gathering to worship, joyful in greeting each other, eager to hear what God might speak to our hearts – glad to be together – thankful to Jesus for all He means to us.
But today – no. A perfectly good Sunday morning, and we’re at home! Not because we choose to be – but because of our shared concern for the health of each other. And while we know that this is a right thing to do under the circumstances – still, we miss our fellowship in Christ at Grace.
Hear today, a word of encouragement written by the Apostle Paul to his fellow believers many years ago. Taken from Philippians, Chapter 4 (The Message):
6-7 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
Christians throughout the centuries have faced times of discouragement, loneliness, and anxiety. Paul’s words reflected his own frustration – he longed to be present with his people, but he could not. I have those same feelings as I write this. But as I read these words, I am comforted that He “who makes everything work together” for good, is active with us all this morning. This present health crisis will pass soon. Our lives, our routines, our nation and our world will be restored to “normal.” I pray we will come through this present time with a greater sense of appreciation for that which we all sometimes take for granted.
May Jesus, the One who brings us the “…peace that passes understanding…” be with you all.
Pastor Bruce
