Isaiah (43:18-25) reminds us of some important key tenets of faith when he urges God’s people to ‘forget former things’ and urges them that God also ‘remembers former things no more’. In between these two important themes the prophet points out the people’s failure to approach God, whether in sacrifice or prayer.
The United Free Church premises are restored following the flood. After a break of more than a year the hall users are back and once again all generations come through the (new flood resistant) door each week for their various activities. We are left with tidying up the last details of the restoration and repairs. That is sightly old news now but reflecting on it recently I remembered something important.
When Storm Babet struck and the centre of Framlingham was flooded it felt as though all was lost. Indeed, for many people much was lost. In the midst of the loss, one of the very first things to be recovered and put back into use was the Little Free Food Pantry. A reminder that God first helps those in greatest need.
According to Isaiah, God keeps on providing, in new ways that keep up with the times. We cannot afford to dwell on the past, what went well or badly, if we want to grow with God in the present and be excited by new things in the future.
As the season of Lent draws on and we come closer to Christs Passion, let us remember that in his wilderness trials Jesus was reminded of what matters and where to focus As he put temptation and the devil behind him so God fed him.
Isaiah 43: 20-21 say, ‘The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.’
A prayer
Lord God, when we look around and see how you do provide, see how you have cared and guided us, may we not forget to proclaim your praise. Forgive our neglectful tendencies and the way we put the pressures of living before spending time with you. We worship you; we adore you, and we give you thanks. Amen.