A Prayer Thanking God For progress In This Pandemic And Trusting God Going Forward

 For the first time in many long months the number of new infections in our province of British Columbia was less than 200 a couple of days ago.  I can remember when 200 cases would have been very distressing but when it was announced in the daily update briefing, it brought a lot of relief. 

Locally we've vaccinated about 70% of the adult population and that is having a significant impact on the number of new infections, for which we give thanks.  And for the first time in a very long time there were no new deaths in that same 24 hour period. 

It's wonderful to see things improving.  This is the best we've seen it since about last October.  In the back of our minds are variants of concern but at the moment, we simply give thanks for how well things are moving in the right direction.

We have a staged re-opening plan that is in the first stage.  More freedoms will come on June 15 and July 1.  When my friend and I were out doing some errands yesterday and putting the masks back on our faces we commented how we will be so glad when it is no longer necessary to wear them. 

I still struggle to hear what is being said to me through the plexi-glass barriers in stores though I understand why they are there and want them to remain as long as necessary.  Driving up a familiar street I saw a huge new patio that's been constructed around 2 sides of a local eatery so more patrons can enjoy their food and business can improve.

I was reflecting on Psalm 126 and although we've not been exiled to a foreign place, we've felt like exiles in our own homes sometimes haven't we?  I think we all begin to feel a bit of the joy that the people of God felt when they returned to their homeland after years of exile.  Listen to these words:

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.

And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”  Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.  Psalm 126

Well, God, along with those ancient people, we want to thank You today for the good things that are taking place around us at this stage in the pandemic.  In some ways it does seem like a dream but as things improve and we get to see our loved ones a bit more, gather to worship with other folks of faith, and just feel like we are little by little living in safer times, we are filled with laughter and we sing for joy.

What amazing things You have done for us God.  You've brought us through the perils of these months with physical and emotional challenges, financial and employment hurdles that at times kept us awake.  There are surely more days ahead of us where we will feel vulnerable and experience some frustrations but for today, we want to thank You for the health and strength we have, the declining case numbers, and increasing vaccination numbers.

As we live today with You, we also want to ask for Your help going forward.  It's not for us to know what's around the corner but we know we can trust You.  With the Psalmist we pray, "Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert."  Make of our lives what will improve the lot of others, and most of all further the purposes You have in mind when we told us to pray, "Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Lord, You promise in Your word that You are working all things for good for those who love You and so we dare to affirm that though we have gone though some days with tears, as we have sought to live for You and share Your goodness with those around us, we now believe that You will pour blessing into our hearts and lives and fill our mouths with singing. 

Restore us.  Renew us.  Refresh us. Re-orient us Lord for this new season that You are bringing us into. 

These are days to notice and give thanks for the things that are giving us joy.  I hope that all through this day that is what’s conscious in us and that we will be strengthen by that and encouraged even as we face whatever we still have yet face until this pandemic is truly behind us. Let’s have a great day allowing God to restore His joy in us.