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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

A refuge you can trust

God is our refuge (Psalm 46:1) in stormy times.

Context

Snow and ice hit parts of UK as some schools closed and travel disrupted.

Russian spy ship on edge of UK waters directed lasers at RAF pilots.

Andy Murray leads ecstatic reaction to Scotland's World Cup qualification.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

Extreme weather tends to come as a shock. It's either completely unexpected or more severe than anticipated and can cause chaos for many people - schools are closed; travel plans are majorly disrupted; people are isolated; cars are abandoned. Warnings and sound advice are given but are frequently ignored. Is this just in cases of extreme weather or is it an allegory for the world we live in? The issues faced appear more acute and possibly closer to home but actually:

• many children in our world are deprived of education for all sorts of reasons;
• people are not always free to travel as they would like;
• many face loneliness and social isolation much of the time.

Into this world and these situations the words of the psalmist can offer stability, sanctuary and hope.

The reports of Russian spy ships close to UK waters remind us of the fragility of any peace. Ostensibly we live in a nation with a deep and lasting peace or do we? Situations can change rapidly and the actions of the Russians at times are deeply disturbing. Times change but God does not. God’s love is constant and solid and can always be relied upon.

The football match between Scotland and Denmark provided great excitement and a thrilling result for all Scotland supporters. The outcome was never a foregone conclusion as first one team and then the other seemed to have the advantage. Tennis player Andy Murray was quoted as saying that there was never any doubt that Scotland would win. Clearly he is a man of faith. He trusted (apparently) through thick and thin that his team would be victorious. Is this an illustration of the application of Psalm 46:1 to an international football match? Are there ways in which such confidence can be applied to other aspects of life?

 

Questions for discussion

• How has God helped you in times of trouble?
• What sorts of challenges do we face if we say that God is our refuge?
• A refuge is a place of sanctuary. How can Christians offer practical sanctuary in our communities?

 

Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.

 

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

As I ponder what to write and share – and as you’re pondering what to share with your friends, family and those you meet on Sunday and beyond -  I’m conscious that there will be a mix of emotions for all of those we meet this week.

For some of us, including myself, we can watch the news / read the newspapers / follow social media and think, "What on earth is going on in the world? Is God really in charge in the world?"

I’m also conscious that for some of us, we will be going through such personal heartache and trouble that we, too, will be shouting, screaming and crying through gritted teeth, ‘Where is God in this mess?’

• Where is God when my Dad’s got a terminal illness, my Mum’s had to take time off work to look after him and we’re now going to the food bank most weeks to help put food on the table?

And for many of us, we’ll be going about our daily lives knowing that situations like these are going on around us, somehow trusting that God is at work in and through us and those God calls His Church.

Today’s Psalm is a reminder that God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV). God doesn’t take away our trouble for or from us but he does walk through the trouble with us.

As you ponder what to share or to bring with you to church on Sunday, maybe all you need to bring is yourself so that you can be with those who feel as if they’re going through a turning world. Maybe it’s a hug that someone will need. Or a smile. Or an offer of a coffee after church or work this week. Or a card (with a chocolate bar...) popped through their letterbox.

We don’t need to change the world – that's God’s job. But maybe we can be open to the Spirit’s prompting to see who we can be with today and over the coming weeks and months ahead.

Jonathan Buckley, Redevelopment Manager at St Paul’s Church and Youth Development Worker at YMCA White Rose.

 

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