Quiet WatersSýnishorn

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters. (Psalm 23:2)

Groaning in expectation of redemption 

COVID-19 has wrought unprecedented havoc across the entire globe. No country is an exception. Indeed, Scriptures foresaw the present state of the world - “… the whole creation has been groaning… in pains… right up to the present time” (Romans 8:22). Notice how this passage contrasts pain, fear, sufferings, frustration, bondage, decay, and groaning with glory, liberation, first fruits, heirs, children of God, and redemption. All who have received Christ Jesus as Saviour and Lord are adopted children of God. The Spirit of God bears witness that this is so. There is no need to fear. In any incidence of suffering, let us remain calm, drawing strength and encouragement from the fact that Christ Jesus has suffered even more, and in full assurance that God is firmly in control.

Read vs.14-15 of Romans 3 and try to find out what it means to be truly free. See also John 8:34-36.

There are a number of questions that this passage raises for us. What hope does this passage offer in moments of suffering? What is this glory that is to be revealed (v.18)?

How has the created order and the environment been impacted? What encouragement and hope do we get from God’s word?  See also Psalm 46:1-3; Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:13.

And so, as you follow Christ, know that

• The Lord is with you (Matthew 28:20)
• You need not be afraid (Psalm 46:1-3)
• One day God will bring a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells and there we will be truly free.

Thank God that the loving Shepherd cares for us and we find rest in Him, as he leads us beside still waters.

Family activity - You will need some bits of wood or sticks.

Create a wooden cross together. Write the things that you see wrong with the world around you. Each family member then reads one thing they have written before sticking it on the cross.  As you stick them on the cross, repeat this, “Jesus’ death took care of _______”

When all the pieces of paper are on the cross, you could finish by thanking God for his love and mercy.