Week 13: God is…

I don’t know how you’re experiencing this current phase of COVID-19 life, but it feels to me like we’re in a time that mirrors those early weeks of lockdown; every day seems to bring a new announcement of a relaxation of restrictions and many of us are beginning to feel our way into the possibility of spending quality embodied time with others, of visiting shops and gardens, of travelling to parts of the country that have been out of reach for the last three months.

But for others – those who are shielding, going into isolation as a result of contact from the government’s track and trace team, or for whom normal life is marked by physical distance, social isolation and loneliness – this lifting of restrictions is a reminder of a lack of connection, companionship or community.

However you are experiencing this new phase, know that we are committed to continuing to journey through it with you. This week Elizabeth Clark, in her second reflection, reminds us of the power of the psalms of lament and helps us to look both backwards and forwards through our COVID-19 experience.

We’re currently pondering the next steps for our ‘coronavirus response’, and we’d really like to hear your thoughts on what should happen next. We’re particularly interested in the answers to two questions:

Should we continue producing this reflection email?

If you think we should, would you prefer a weekly, fortnightly or monthly email?

Please drop an email to louise.davis@arthurrankcentre.org.uk; we’d love to know what you think and to shape our next phase in a way which is most helpful to you.

Be assured of the prayers of all of us here at the Arthur Rank Centre.

Louise, on behalf of the whole team

God is…

Bible Reading: Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’

The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

Reflection

This psalm is a lament, probably written when the People of God were in Exile, far from home in a strange land. They’re looking back to a time when life felt good, possibly viewing the past through rose-tinted spectacles; after all, life is never perfect. However, in contrast to their present circumstances the past would have felt more hopeful.

Alongside the feelings of despair there is hope. They know God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who had brought them out of the Land of Egypt. This is a God they can depend on even when things look bleak and they feel alone.

How do you feel today? Can you see God in what is happening?

Here is a rethinking of Psalm 126 for today…

Psalm during Covid

How bright was life before lockdown!

How busy and noisy and fun.

We sang, prayed, and praised together;

God was good.

Now there is silence, and for some darkness,

loneliness and fear.

Where is God?

The silence is broken by loud insistent bird song,

The darkness is illuminated by a profusion of flowers and butterflies.

We exchange smiles and greetings with strangers.

As we learn to stop look and listen, we are surrounded by glimpses of God:

God is here!

God is good!

Prayer

Loving God

Help us to know your presence

even in the darkest times.

Remind us how much we are loved

and help us share that love with others.

In Jesus name

Amen.

Response

Ring someone today who you haven’t spoken with for a long time.

Go for a walk and thank God for everything you can see.