We share in the sufferings of many around the world still facing desperate situations of health and loss and restrictions on freedom and association.
Whilst some of us may be seeing clear skies ahead of us, many are still in the storm. We particularly hold up our partners and friends in India having faced over 20M Covid cases.
Sometimes it is hard to remain positive and upbeat, although our Lord is a God of love, comfort and compassion and doesn't expect us to maintain the "stiff upper lip" as us British would say.
In recent devotions I have been challenged about lament and the examples of Godly servants of Christ lamenting to God- communicating that passionate expression of grief and sorrow, which is what we sometimes truly feel.
King David says in Psalm 86:
Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.
I encourage you to share your troubles and those of others with our God who shows mercy and love.
We recognise and share this sorrow and want to help.
We have already run a session led by Swahini Bansod from LEADS Outreach (India) who shared with us a biblical perspective on 'Mental and Emotional Wellbeing' and provided encouragement and hope for those going through personal difficulties - click here to view the recording of this session. We also have two other sessions coming up, Gretchen Mitchell, a trained psychologist, will be speaking on 'Finding Hope: Leading through a Crisis' and Peter Madern will be sharing his experience and insights on 'Avoiding and Dealing with Burnout' - details for both of these events are below.
Please join our times of Prayer & Fellowship and upcoming Campfire Conversations sessions so that we can connect with you and give support through prayer - our most powerful tool.
May God bless and keep you,