Gentle comfort of his peace
David Jones on how the Bible speaks of leading us beside still water and restoring our souls
‘WALLY’ the walrus has certainly put Tenby on the map! We had a few days away last week in Pembrokeshire and saw Wally as he appeared for his afternoon nap on the lifeboat slipway.
Since he appeared in March, Wally has not only attracted large numbers of sightseers, many who wait. camera in hand, for him to make an appearance, but the town itself is experiencing something of ‘Wally mania’. Mugs, Tshirts, postcards, aprons and tea-towels with Wally in celebrity pose has meant that he has become quite a star.
How long Wally will remain no one really knows. He has, however, put on weight since his arrival and seems for the time being to be quite content enjoying his obvious popularity. He has certainly given Tenby a much-needed tourist boost – what a bonus to have Wally on board!
As the pandemic restrictions are eased this week we can now meet more freely with family and friends, which is something we have all looked forward to. The possibility of getting away on holiday is also welcome, although we are encouraged to enjoy the delights of the UK, which is no bad thing.
Hospitality venues can now welcome guests indoors as some sort of normality appears on the horizon. We can now officially ‘hug’ each other and for the many ‘huggers’ I know that that’s the icing on the cake!
The Bible speaks much of comfort and wellbeing. The book of Psalms speaks of leading us beside still water and restoring our souls – what a wonderful message in these days as we emerge from the ravages of Covid-19.
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost when the promised ‘comforter’, the Holy Spirit came upon the troubled disciples and empowered them to share this comfort and good news to a waiting world.
God’s presence is always with us, warming our hearts to the truth of his love and surrounding us with the gentle comfort of his peace. We are never alone, discarded or forgotten by the creator of the universe who Jesus told us is our Father.
‘Why then’, asks the Psalmist, ‘am I so sad? Why am I so upset?’ I shall put my hope in God and keep praising him, my Saviour and my God. Holy Spirit of God, the comforter Jesus promised, as powerful as the wind and as gentle as the dove.