Some words of comfort

from Reverend David Carruthers of Ardrishaig and South Knapdale Parishes

“Trust and obey; for there’s no other way” – words from a hymn that encourages us to live in a way that obeys God’s ways for humanity, and to trust Him to take care of us as we do. In light of recent announcements from governments about self-isolating and social-distancing we all have to accept that trust is what is required of us – trusting those who are directing us for our own collective good, and simply obeying what we are told.

The exceptional closure of meeting places, businesses and shops is affecting our daily lives, as we attempt to reduce and delay the spread of Coronavirus and so I was asked to write something about what this means from a local minister’s perspective.

Locally, churches have already cancelled their services and meetings, and I know I have also conducted my last funeral service within a church building, for the foreseeable future. From now on, and in agreement with our local undertakers, funerals will be held at the graveside or crematorium with only immediate family present. The compassion and sincerity with which our First Minister made that instruction was heard, and no one can fail to appreciate that difficult and costly decisions are being taken daily to maintain the health of the nation.

So how might we cope? How can we encourage each other, keep in good heart and still keep our distance? What I offer is based on something being delivered to households within my parishes.

The words, “do not be afraid,” come to mind. They are spoken more than 60 times in the Bible. Fear can paralyse us and lead us into foolish ways of thinking and behaving. We all have fears from time to time – there’s no shame in admitting it. The unknown is often what triggers our fears, and so much is unknown at present.

But let me encourage you to place that worry and fear with God – and trust. Trust that God is all-powerful and capable of handling every situation. He may not change things the way we think they should be changed, but He will lift those burdens and enable us to move forward without the fear that so easily can paralyse and confuse us. Don’t let fear dominate your life.

I had hoped that the ringing of our church bell would continue on Sundays. Traditionally this is done to “call the people to worship” – to let them know the service is about to begin. Now, I hope it will be rung so that our communities might know that someone is praying for us. For the moment, though, even this is put on hold. Hopefully it will be rung again soon and maybe you’ll hear it as calling you to prayer too?

For centuries people have read from the Book of Psalms, especially in difficult times. So I conclude with these words from Psalm 73: “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God is the strength of my heart; He is mine forever!” (verse 26).

During the coming weeks and months should you require any form of help please do not hesitate to contact any of the local ministers. We want to help as best we can.