I have noticed that our TV has not been used so much over the last week. At the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak news reports, I was an avid watcher and wanted to hear the latest news – But then I noticed something – I wasn’t sleeping so well. I found it difficult to get to sleep and my heart was racing at times. Di encouraged me not to be watching so many of the harrowing news reports, so I took her advice. (I do on occasions listen to my wife’s advice)
So now apart from a few updates on my iPhone I’m not needing to be constantly updated. As a result I’ve slept better. I’ve been using Philippians 4.8-9 as my model for staying in God’s peace. It goes like this
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
So now I’m approaching things differently. I am making sure I have my time with God in the morning, before I look at the news reports on my iPhone. I reflect a little first, along the lines Alison encouraged us to do on Sunday. Then I pray for situations, both in the fellowship as well as for national things like the wellbeing and healing of Boris Johnson our PM, in intensive care. This way I’m actively playing my part from a place of peace not anxiety. I’m taking on Paul’s encouragement that he wrote to the Philippians, from lockdown under house arrest. “So may the peace of God which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.
Have a blessed day. Roger
