A church leader is encouraging people to take time to reflect when we feel overwhelmed in these troubled times.

Pam Tolhurst, who is local church leader at Gillingham United Reformed Church, said: "We are living in uncertain times. All of us are dealing with challenges which we might never have imagined possible. Coronavirus Covid-19 is causing us to re-think so much.

"Constant through it all is encouragement in the Bible. Christians believe that Jesus is the light of the world. When we know Jesus to be our Saviour, we thank God, in the words of Psalm 46 verse 1 that, 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'

"Through this article I believe it right to offer words in the Bible for us to use in times of prayer and quiet, particularly perhaps when we might be feeling afraid, scared, isolated, lonely, overwhelmed.

"Christians, in faith, know that we hold on to knowing that God is with us. I am deliberately giving words in the King James version of the Bible for, not only is that in the public domain, but it is a version which many people have known over the years and, at times likes this, sometimes familiar words can be helpful, however recently, or otherwise, we might have used them.

"Psalm 23, that much loved psalm of David, confirms that God is our hope for eternal life. He is our security. 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’

"Psalm 91 verses 1 and 2: 'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.'

"Let us remain faithful in prayer, responsible in our actions, trusting God and thanking him that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. The peace of the Lord be with you all."

If you would like to find out more about Churches Together In Medway or what it means to become a Christian, please contact the chairman, Pastor Stephen Bello on 01634 920491 or email rccgvictoriousfamily@hotmail.com

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