Deeper Longings with Jess
28 July 2020
Hello. I’m Jessica and I’m recording this in Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening. It’s a time where you can have a bit more interaction with people that you might have been completely cut off from. It’s still a state of uncertainty, a transitional period filled with restrictions, but I’m grateful for the ability to catch up with close friends face to face and have long, deep conversations, as if to make up for all that time lost. It’s a great feeling and I imagine that great feeling will be multiplied many times over in heaven, when we meet with our Maker.
But back to earth. During the lockdown period, there’s a passage in the Bible that popped up, and I thought was rather appropriate for this season. It’s from Isaiah 60:1-2 and it says,
“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.”
When I read this, I thought to myself, ‘These are even darker times than usual.’ We’re getting daily reports of infections and deaths. Many are in isolation or losing their jobs. Some are struggling to adapt. Some are not able to see family. And so I pray.
Oh, Lord God, you are sovereign over all the earth and everything that moves and breathes. You are our Saviour, Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Teach us to rise up and shine your glory, especially in a world that is dark, where thick darkness covers the peoples. Cause a breakthrough, O God, in the hearts of those who do not yet know you. Even in this time of COVID-19, may hearts turn towards the everlasting light. I pray for RHC, that, Lord, we would cling to your mercies that are new every morning, that we would encounter you each day as you fill us with your Spirit and use us as vessels for your glory. I pray for healing for those who are hurting and for strength as we continue on this journey that you have laid out for us. In whatever stage of life that we are in, may your joy and your love overflow. Thank you, Lord, that you are doing a good work even in these difficult times. Help us to be sensitive to your leading and to obey your commands. May we use our time wisely and reach out to the lost. May we surrender our hopes and desires to you, Father, knowing that you who did not spare your own Son, will graciously give us good things. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.