Finding rest in the storm of Covid-19

Today I was feeling the anxiety and panic catching up with me with all the Corona Virus uncertainty and fear. So I knew I needed to stop and spend some time talking to God. As I took time to be still and listen, I felt Him reassure me, and so I wanted to share what He said to me as it may help someone else too.

As I talked to God, at one point I was breastfeeding Abi and I thought “it’s amazing how I give her all she needs straight from my milk. She gets nourishment to help her grow, and immunity, and comfort”. Right away I felt God say “it’s the same with you and I!” He reminded me that I get all I need from HIM! He provides for me. I can trust Him. This reminder made me take a deep breath and remember I don’t need to panic, because I can trust Him to care for me!

I thought of the fear of there not being “enough” (food, toilet paper etc etc). I felt God say “lack isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It actually creates resourcefulness. No one is actually going to starve in this crisis- you just may not have exactly the options of food and products that you would like, but there are new ways to do things if you can’t get the supplies you usually choose. Resourcefulness is an attractive quality, and this is an opportunity for everyone to grow in that strength which we would otherwise not develop. Lack is not to be feared.” That was a new thought to me, that “lack” can actually breed creativity.

After her feed Abi fell asleep in the baby carrier. I looked down at her peaceful little head, and I didn’t lay her down right away, enjoying the warmth of having her close up against me, her little arms wrapped around me. As she slept there I did some chores, cleaning and washing breakfast plates. With all the noise I was making, I thought to myself “it’s amazing how she continues sleeping even while there’s all sorts of noise and activity around her! I guess it’s because she can feel me close, so she knows she’s safe”. Again I heard God whisper: “You need to cleave to God and rest in the same way, through all the noise and fear around you. Cleave to Me. Stay close and find rest through the noise”.

Whenever I STOP and REST, I remember how much I am loved. Peace and joy return in spite of circumstances. So I am convinced of the absolute importance of regular rest in the days ahead. I encourage you to take time to rest and bring your anxiety to God.

Today I remember He CARES! He’s our COMFORT, and He CARRIES US in His arms!

I can CLEAVE to Him, and find rest,

Just like my baby in my arms finds peace, provision and rest in me.

Contributed by Grigor Fahlbusch

A little space to fill.

What do you know of a man named Barzillai?  Don’t look at me like that because he is recorded in the scriptures. I have read of him again recently and there are only a few verses that mention him. Those few verses say a lot. Take a read in 2Samuel 17:27-29; 19:31-39.

Recently I had a very restless night. I tried the usual things like counting sheep but that didn’t work – they wouldn’t stand still long enough. Then I started thinking of the words of some of the hymns and spiritual songs I love. I still didn’t sleep but gosh it was so good singing those words in my head. When I got my feet on the floor I still felt quite refreshed. Almost like a night of prayer.