These months of lockdown and distancing have brought most of us many sorrows and difficulties and we continue to hope and pray that we are now beginning to emerge from the worst of the effects of the pandemic. Alas, many other countries are even now facing the full brunt of the virus and we are warned of the possibility of a second spike. Cautionary news at best.

Keeping strong in faith is always important, especially during difficult times, and while nothing can take away our ability to pray and trust we have been deprived of our customary fellowship and mutual support. Thankfully we now have the opportunity to worship together in our church on Sunday mornings, albeit in somewhat reduced circumstances; it does feel odd to share communion with masks, visors, distancing and sanitizing. And some of us need to protect ourselves in a manner that means we cannot safely return to church yet, however it has been inspiring to see a large number of our church members coming to share in worship, plus others joining in with the video services.

Some of our hymns refer to the difficulties we can face, and they urge us onwards. For example, “Through the night of doubt and sorrow, onward goes the pilgrim band” which in ordinary times seems a bit miserable perhaps, takes on a life of its own. It affirms “one the light of God’s own presence o’er his ransomed people shed; chasing far the gloom and terror, brightening all the path they tread”.  Likewise, “Thy hand O God hath guided thy flock from age to age” refers to hard times “when shadows thick were falling….” and challenges us today:  “And we, shall we be faithless, shall hearts fail, hands hang down?” leading to the glorious affirmation “Thy presence will not fail us nor leave thy work undone: with thy right hand to help us, the victory shall be won”. Yes!

And if you want something more contemporary, there’s “Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining”, with a prayer for ourselves and for our nation “Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory; blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire”. In the hardest times we call upon God afresh for our own commitment to be renewed and for the good of our nation and our world.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Lord of hope and glory, keep us calm and faithful in all troubles.

Give strength and direction to all who seek to do your will – to all who strive for peace, all who work for righteousness, all who exercise the ministry of caring and healing.

Renew our faith to meet these troubled times, that your peaceful, holy and saving presence may uphold us day by day. Amen.