MONDAY 29th
Psalm 100
I have chosen Psalm 100 as our reading today because it is the only chapter 100 in Scripture. Secondly to tie in with the number 100, for today’s devotion is number 100!
It feels like we have been in a cricket match and it is one hundred, not out!
Who would have thought that when I sent out the first devotion on Sunday March 22nd that I would still be doing it 100 days later? I certainly did not expect it, I thought maybe for three weeks, four at the most.
But God has been faithful, and during this period of lockdown we can still ‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord . . . for the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.’
Thank you to all for your encouragement during this period.
Over the period of the devotions I have made many references to sheep and this short psalm reminds us that ‘we are his people and the sheep of his pasture’.
Over the period of lockdown we have been like scattered sheep, unable to come into the Church as a gathered flock, isolated in our homes and yet we have been able to remain in contact through all the various means available. We pray that very soon we will be able to flock together again for corporate worship, prayer, ministry and in the breaking of bread.
One of the greatest assets that a shepherd has is that of his faithful friend, the sheepdog. Often when the sheep are scattered especially in areas of moorland where it is difficult for the shepherd to traverse, the sheepdog becomes an essential companion, he can go to the parts the shepherd can’t reach and help in rounding the sheep up together so that the shepherd can deal with anything that needs doing.
As we have been like scattered sheep, it has not been possible to visit, but I pray that these devotions along with the phone calls, messages, videos etc. that we have all been involved in will have been like the sheep dog, drawing us together and keeping us together in the spiritual bond of unity through this difficult time.
But most of all we give thanks to The Shepherd, who has been watching over us, the one who has helped us to keep it together when at times things may have felt tough and difficult.
It will pass, we will eventually (hopefully soon) be able to gather again, and when that moment comes may we ‘enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise’.
Thank you again for your prayers and support toward me as pastor, but also toward each other, may we come out of this crisis with a renewed confidence and trust in the Lord, ready for him to do new and great things amongst us.
Faithful God, faithful God,
All-sufficient one, I worship you.
Shalom my peace,
My strong deliverer,
I lift you up,
Faithful God.
Chris Bowater CCLI788682
Lord, I come before your throne of grace,
I find rest in your presence
And fulness of joy.
In worship and wonder
I behold your face,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
What a faithful God have I,
What a faithful God.
What a faithful God have I,
Faithful in every way.
Lord of mercy, you have heard my cry;
Through the storm you’re the beacon,
My song in the night.
In the shelter of your wings,
Hear my heart’s reply,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
Lord all sovereign, granting peace from heaven,
Let me comfort those who suffer
With the comfort you have given.
I will tell of Your great love for as long as I live,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
CCLI788682