Early One Morning.
by Judith Whitehead
One morning, shortly after the national COVID19 lockdown commenced, in March 2020, I awoke around 5.30am to go to the bathroom. I looked out of the window and thought to myself, everything looks normal, but everything is far from normal. With a heavy heart, I climbed back into bed with the intention of going to sleep, but sleep eluded me. I was distressed and could not settle.
I began to cry, pray and plead with God about this awful situation. I felt overwhelmed by the prospect of not seeing my son and grandchildren for several weeks, (or even months.) I was still restless when I heard a sound outside. It was the beautiful sound of birds cheerfully singing the dawn chorus. I thought, “It’s all right for them. They’re not worried about the virus”. Then I felt God whisper to my heart, “Trust Me as the birds do”. It was a very special moment.
My tears changed from ones of distress to ones where my heart was being touched by the Lord, as I sensed His love and His peace and the feeling of being held securely in the palm of His hand. All the feelings of distress went, and I was able to face the day with a renewed sense of hope and trust in God. He loves me completely and cares and understands exactly how I feel.
I would love to be able to say that, from that moment onwards, my trust in God has not wavered, but I would not be telling the truth. I have had good days, average days and bad days, but God has continued to uphold and strengthen me, as I look to Him, who alone is my help and my salvation. I have been reminded that I am saved by Christ alone, and His death on the cross paid the price for all my sin and sorrows. As I trust in Him, my salvation is secure, regardless of what is going on in the world.
One of my favourite scripture verses is Isaiah 41:10, which says, ‘So do not fear for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are completely trustworthy. You don’t ask me to understand everything, but You do ask me to trust You in everything. Today I come to You with all the anxieties and fears which are troubling me. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know You hold the future, and all Your plans are perfect. Amen.
Judith Whitehead Judith is married to Dougie and they have one son. Judith loves spending time with her family, including two gorgeous grandchildren and being outdoors walking in the countryside. Judith lives locally to Ellel Grange and is a part of the creativity team at Ellel Grange. Judith has a deep desire to encourage others and to help believers and unbelievers come to a place of knowing God personally and deeply for themselves.
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