Yesterday we heard of the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96. She was the longest serving monarch of the United Kingdom having reigned for 70 years.
At her first Christmas speech in 1952, she expressed her need for God’s help:
“Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.”
Throughout her life she expressed a personal devotion to Jesus expressing in December 2000:
‘For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.’
In 2008 she said:
“I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life … He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.”
At this time of loss for her family and the UK, let’s be faithful in prayer; this has been and continues to be a time of shaking in this nation and around the world. Let’s pray that this time of shaking may cause many to turn to Jesus in whose name she reigned.
The words of this psalm, which I’d read on the morning of the Queen’s death, speaks to us at this time.
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (Psalms 39:7)
“But now” - At a time like this when there is so much grief, uncertainty and temptation to fear.
“What do we look for?” - How will we respond? To where will we look for hope? Politicians? A new monarch? Economic skill?
“My hope is in you.” - Like the psalmist, We are to turn in hope to God in faith and prayer. Times of shaking and insecurity are a call to turn to the unshakable and unending reign of Christ. This is also a time to remember our great hope of eternal and resurrection hope in Christ, which all who die in Christ enjoy.
Here is a song that speaks of the comfort and hope that we have in Christ.
Here is a video version of this devotional if you find that helpful.
TOGETHER IN SEPTEMBER
During September 2022, at CCP, we are having 'Together' meetings instead of our usual Community Groups. You are very welcome to attend these gatherings.
Please come to the church building at 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings - refreshments and a meal will be available.