Tuesday 12 February 2013

The King is dead! Long live the King!

The retirement of Pope Benedict was a news story  for which the media was not prepared. 
It remains to be seen whether the Roman Catholic Church is prepared for this change.
But there have been many surprises in the 2000 year history of the Christian story, and people have grown used to moving on.
The old saying, when a monarch dies, in this country, 'The King is dead. Long live the King' indicates that we hope for a seamless change from one regime to the next.
But how about other major changes in our lives? 
How can we cope when all around our particular world is changing? 
Barclays bank is losing 3,700 jobs, and there continue to be job losses elsewhere in the economy. 
How might we respond to these upsets?
The Psalmist was used to major world-changing events, and often sought refuge in the Lord.
'God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! (Psalm 46.1-3)
All of us, whatever our situation today, can choose to place ourselves in the hands of the Lord, who will hold us and keep us safe. Such a choice from our side may not change our outward situation and circumstances, but we will find ourselves enfolded in the 'love the will not let me go', as the old hymn says.
Best wishes,
Richard

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