Lockdown Day 1 - by Bec Bonython

Day 1 Lock down

Who would have thought the year 2020 would have come to this in little ol’ Adelaide…

I had joked that Adelaide is so quiet that even the COVID virus, and all its repercussions, had seemed to escape us! But not today.

As I looked at photos of emptiness taken on the streets of Adelaide today, I wondered what God was thinking?

I definitely know what my work colleagues are thinking – they loudly voiced their thoughts to me, their manager, yesterday!! I definitely know what my kids are thinking – they are cheering because there’s no school!! I know what all those worried and panicked shoppers at Foodland, Coles and Woolworths are thinking - they've got their toilet paper!!

But what is God thinking?

It’s a great question which I would love to know the answer to, but I don’t know the mind of God. But what I DO know, is what God is doing for us during this time of uncertainty. This hope and encouragement comes from Psalm 91:1-4:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

As we dwell [make our home in], rest and find refuge and safety in God, know with confidence that we can trust in God and He will cover us with his feathers. What a beautiful imagery of a mother hen shielding her baby chicks and providing them love and care; as does God provide love and care for us. He will look after us.

The faithfulness that He generously gives to us, actually protects us. Knowing that he won’t leave us in a time of trouble and that He is always there for us, gives us reassurance and hope. It protects and guards our minds and our hearts from vulnerabilities and fears and worries.

So today – lock down day 1: Know and accept God’s faithfulness. Know and accept is love and care. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the streets around your home. Take time to rest and commune with God, allowing Him to be your peace, hope and comfort.

Blessings and safety to you