Blessings of Lockdown

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Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

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“Lockdown” could very well be the buzzword of the year. Whilst it is a word that many were familiar with before 2020, I think it would be fair to say that it has gained a new meaning for all of us. I’m not going to sell you a lie – lockdown isn’t all fun and games. We are by our very nature social beings. By coming together, working together, learning, growing, and transforming – we have been able to overcome the obstacles that have faced us in the past. So, fighting an invisible enemy by doing the very thing that isolates us, goes against all our instincts. It is, naturally, going to be difficult.

As lockdown begins to be lifted and the speed of the life that went before creeps back in, I have been challenged to write down just a few of my thoughts from this bizarre period of time. I want to stress now, that I know and appreciate the vast cost that this deadly virus has had on the country, and the ones I hold dear, but, it hasn’t all been bad, and actually I believe that God has worked in marvellous ways, giving us gifts we could never imagine.

The Gift of Time

First and foremost, time has come to what appears to be a complete stand-still. However, we all know that time waits for no one. So, time has become the gift of not more time, but more free time. I have been able to spend time working on my writing, exploring passion projects and doing things without the pressure that ‘normal’ time brings. Only a few months ago, we were in the Christmas period and, for me, it was one of the busiest times of my life. You see, not only have I had more free time, but I have been able to spend that time at home. Having time with my family after a really tough year, has really been a blessing, we haven’t always got on all the time – no family is perfect, but having that support there has been a real blessing. What is more, I have read of families torn apart by this terrible pandemic, making me even more grateful for this time. So, what have I learnt from this? Life will return to some form of normality, don’t let the speed of time whip you up into a frenzy, instead trust in Him. Let Him take care of that for you.

The Gift of Peace

Many would expect that in this time of chaos and pain, it would be hard to find peace. But, I believe that God has been working to give peace to a world that is scared and hurt. A bible verse that keeps coming to me and giving me comfort is Psalm 131:10 - “even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (NIV). Even the birds can be heard singing loud and clear. So, what have I learnt from this? Give your worries, and anxieties to Him. Let the peace only He can offer cleanse your soul.

The Gift of Renewal

By having more time, you become more aware of how you spend it. For me, one of the gifts that has come from having more free time, is being able to pray more regularly and study more. In the hectic life before, it was easy to not let God in, but actually, through this time of focus, I have experienced a renewal of faith and discipline, not from a duty or ritual point of view but rather from a thirst of wanting to talk to God, of wanting to study more. Also, more broadly we have seen a revival in the numbers attending church through online ministries, or Church at Home. So, what have I learnt from this? God is never done. His work here is far from over. Let Him in and your life will be transformed for the better.

The Gift of Hope

Finally, even with the loss and despair that is around me and seemingly engulfs the world, all of these gifts have left me with a greater gift – the gift of hope. Hope in tomorrow, faith that the storm will pass - we will see the other side. So, what have I learnt from this? The storm will pass. We will be different. Many will be changed. Life won’t be the same again. But isn’t that the exciting part of following Jesus? Knowing that no matter what comes. No matter the change. He will be with us through it all. Forever.

Friends, in all things remain joyful. Trust. Keep yearning. Praise Him.

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you Ponder anew what the Almighty can do If with His love He befriends you

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee God of glory, Lord of love Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee Op'ning to the Sun above

Praise to the Lord (Joyful, Joyful) - Shane & Shane