Ian Jamieson

Mark 6 v 45 – 51a. “Take courage”
 
Some in our community are busier than ever; caring for the elderly and sick, supplying us with food and working in the essential services that we now realise are fundamental to a civilised society. Life may seem like a raging sea with no landfall in sight. For most of us, life may be full of worries, real or imagined, but life has become more peaceful, with fewer deadlines, more time for reflection. Perhaps even soul searching in prayer.  A phrase I heard recently, by Lloyd John Ogilvie, seems to speak to both situations. It is worth reading and re-reading.
 
“Sometimes the Lord rides out the storm with us and other times He calms the restless sea around us. Most of all, He calms the storm inside us in our deepest inner soul.”
 
Whether we are surrounded by cares and pressures, or by calm,  is it well with your soul? Are you troubled within?  Does worry whisper in your ear? When we are at peace with God within, we can face anything.  When our faith and trust in God’s love is a settled thing, we are both at peace and prepared to face any situation with courage – whether at work, with our families, or enduring illness or pain.
 
Here is a song which I find inspiring, and I hope you do too. It is by Stuart Townend, who crafts really thoughtful words, so I have attached them.
It is about courage to face yourself in the light of Christ. A Sermon in a Song.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Deq8rsjG0y4&app=desktop
 
Prayer
Lord, grant me courage to walk with You, Jesus, in my sight.  Not just in the storms, but in the calm, walk with me Lord Jesus. Grant me such faith in Your love that I can face anything – within or without.
 
Prayer Request
For members of our church family who run their own businesses as they deal with difficult decisions and in most cases, a fall in income.  For peace in the midst of the storm and for guidance and wisdom as they show the light of Christ in a challenging situation.