Trapped

While enjoying a lovely autumn walk one afternoon, I pondered on a word which sums up my feelings during the coronavirus pandemic. The word ‘trapped’ came to mind. Currently there are few places on earth where one could escape to which are unaffected by this deadly virus. If I were to travel to the far corners of the UK, where I live, it would be there to some degree and similarly, if I travelled to the far side of the world, I would most likely find it there too. I have even wondered how far it extends up into the skies.

But it is so comforting to know God is everywhere, completely surrounding me, and everyone else, with His love. He is holding me firm and secure in His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). I cannot escape from Him and would not wish to do so, even if it was possible.

I continued to reflect on the beauty of the truths contained in Psalm 139 and remembered a time when I received a recall to the hospital, following a routine medical check. On the morning of my appointment I was afraid of what I might hear from the consultant, and the words of verse 5 of Psalm 139 really spoke to me, ‘You hem me in behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me’. The feeling of being hemmed in by God brought such peace and comfort, as I felt ‘sandwiched’ in His love and protected on all sides. My fears departed and I experienced amazing peace on my way to, and during my time at, the hospital. Thankfully things weren’t as bad as I had imagined and only required a simple procedure.

I find the whole of Psalm 139 so uplifting and encouraging. To think He knew me even before I was conceived, and carefully formed me in my mother’s womb, is beyond my human comprehension. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by our creator God.

To conclude, I have to admit I do not like feeling trapped (and restricted) by the coronavirus but feeling ‘trapped’ by God is okay by me, as it makes me feel secure.

The words of an old hymn have just come to mind. ‘O love that will not let me go. I rest my weary soul in Thee’, written by George Matheson in 1882, (a minister with the church of Scotland).

Prayer: Father God, I thank You for Your amazing love, which I don’t deserve. You surround me on all sides and at all times in my life, both the good times and the bad times, and You will never let go of me. Knowing this, I am comforted, especially during the uncertain days which lie ahead. Praise Your holy name. Amen.