Faithful living in difficult days

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms.

I have blessed peace with my lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms. 

(E.A Hoffman, 1887)

Few people were surprised by last week's government announcement that current restrictions on daily life in Britain will continue until at least 7 May. The decision was widely anticipated and seemed inevitable. As much of the country settles into the new world of social distancing, home schooling,  and remote working, modern communications technology grows ever more significant.

At the same time many in the the Christian community are drawing comfort from the familiar. Psalms remind us that in difficult times God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46) and that as we live in the shadow of death we have nothing to fear (Psalm 23). As a musician and a Baptist, I've been drawn back to hymns remembered from teenage years. Many express the same kind of confidence in God that comes from tragic experiences and lives of hardship. Images accompanying YouTube videos are often a moving reminder of the struggles faced by faithful believers living through the challenges of their own time.

Faithful living in difficult days remains a challenge in our Coronavirus afflicted world. In scripture and in song we have a wealth of resources on which to draw for strength and comfort. With the aid of Google and YouTube it is easier than ever before to access treasures of the faith both ancient and modern. And, of course, many of us now have all the time in the world to fill.