The New Room has been sharing a Friday reflection each week. We hope that these short reflections act as a point of spiritual focus, enabling a moment of quiet thought and prayer.

JOHN SEWARD is a local preacher in the Bristol & South Gloucestershire circuit and is a member at South Bristol Methodist Church Knowle. John is a past National President of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs and a volunteer at the New Room.

Psalm 25 verses 4 & 5

In 1983 I had the honour of being elected as national President of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs at a time when MAYC was at its peak with thousands of young people and their leaders working together. One of the great fun things which came up often was the leader saying out loud “What do you think of it so far” and the response was always “Rubbish”. Well I guess I could say something similar about the year 2020.

2020 was the most horrific year for many of us and one I shall never forget as I also had to undergo a triple heart bypass operation and at times, I must admit that my faith was sorely tested and also admit that I felt that Jesus had forsaken me.“My God why have you forsaken me”. It took me a while to realise that Jesus was there all the time in the love and care of doctors and nurses and not forgetting my own family and friends. Another lesson I learned very quickly was one of trust, and once I realised that God was with me I felt a feeling of safety and comfort because without trust no relationship can survive and all those nurses and doctors also earned my trust, and how!!!!!

I should have remembered when I was in the Heart Institute that I had nothing to fear because Jesus’s abiding presence is with us in all situations. For a moment I had forgotten that he is there, whatever the circumstance, but I came out on the other side with a stronger faith than before. We live in a wonderful world, but in crazy times which are full of trials and tribulations. I remember an old song that goes “Someone in the great somewhere hears every word” and that someone is our God who loves and watches and listens and wants us to “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey”

May Gods peace and love go with you all as you experience the highs and lows in life and continue to pray and trust in him.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Creator of all things and You sustain all of life. We come to you, acknowledging that your will is best and that your plan is far greater than any we could ever ask for or imagine. Lord, we come to you with troubles that are weighing on our heart and the hearts of many believers. God, we know that you carry all burdens, and we ask that you continue to share with us during these difficult times.

God, you are a God of healing. If it is in your will, I ask that you heal those who are suffering illness at this time, but know that whether you choose to heal them or not, that everything will work out according to your purpose. May we seek you in good times and difficult and learn to trust you more every day. In Jesus’ holy and powerful name we pray. Amen.