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Ramblings of a new Regional Minister (17 November)

This week’s thought is written by Claire Blatchford, EBA Regional Minister.

Ramblings of a new Regional Minister

I sit at my desk writing this on the ‘morning after the night before’. Yesterday was another significant time in the life of the EBA as both Gale Richards and I were inducted into the role of Regional Minister of the Eastern Baptist Association. What an amazing afternoon it was as around 100 of us gathered together (with many more watching online) and we gave thanks to God for his guidance up to this point as well as anticipating what lies ahead for us all. If you weren’t able to join us, please catch up using this link: https://youtu.be/bvPxQrxdPTU

A real highlight and powerful moment for me was Jane Day’s sermon (which is found around 1:17:16 in the service!) during which she read the words of Psalm 5:1-3, using The Message, which begins with these words:

“Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help.”

What an expression of great need! The psalmist (in this case, David) affirms his want of God amid adversity and despite not been able to articulate well, he is assured that God Almighty hears, knows and indeed does understand his ramblings.

For me the opening words of this psalm are a true and honest example of our human predicament. I, for one, have often cried out to God not making much sense (some would say a regular occurrence!) but holding onto the promise of Romans 8:26 that “ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIVUK)

This psalm also reminds me that I am not in control (even when I try to be) and each morning I ought to lay my whole life before God, anticipating, trusting and renewing my hope in the One who equips and transforms in ways I could never imagine.

This week, may we each cry out to our King-God, in words beautifully formulation or in groans straight from the heart, submitting ourselves and our plans with expectation to see what the Lord will do.