My run tonight was a laboured one and I had knee pains on the way back. As I jogged into the drive I saw the forest flame plant highlighted in the light of the kitchen window. How they were a welcome sight.

In these days of lockdown I know my family are incredibly blessed by God. We have a house and garden, so there is enough space for all and we are getting paid to stay at home. There are many people that are not getting paid, they have been told if they stop work they will be fired. It reminds me of a time I was called to be a juror on jury service and I was told if I went I would be sacked, and shortly afterwards I was laid off – the company went against the law, but did it in a sneaky way. There is so much injustice in the world and I feel for these people. What’s worse is when people tell you they are going to do something and they don’t or they go back on their word.

Before the run I had chance with the clear Skys to work on an astronomy badge with my son. Without any phones I pointed out to him how I could find North – by following the two stars in the great bear and following that to a bright star Polaris or the Pole Star. On a clear night a sailor or a walker always has reassurance that North will not change.

God’s word does not change.

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; 
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

People have been painting rainbows as symbols of hope for the NHS staff who put their lives on the line for others.

Genesis 9:12-13

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

The rainbow has always been a symbol of hope and the woods of scripture tells us that God made the covenant, not just between Noah and his family but between God and all living creatures and all future generations. God has not left us, he is working this His purposes out not in spite of the lockdown, but through it.

Dear Lord, bring people to our attention so that we can help them and help us all to stay safe and support our wonderful NHS staff and key workers that are putting their lives at risk for a stable country and world. In Jesus name, Amen.