Without getting too deep into a philosophical conversation, with everything going on around us at the moment, I would like to share with you a thought I had in the middle of the week.
As someone who believes in a creator God, I can say that I've contemplated many things about the creation of earth versus theories of evolution in order to come to my conclusions. However, I must say, I had never stopped to think about the idea that if God indeed spoke into the nothingness, the darkness and created life and light, the natural implication is that even the darkness is under God's control.
In Psalm 148, the psalmist takes this idea one step further and suggests that if God created the heavens and earth, then even the forces that undo this creation at times, such as wind, hail, thunder and lightning, are under his control, even do His will.
I know it is a logical conclusion, and I may be a little slow on the uptake, but, the truly reassuring concept is that if we truly believe in a creator God who loves us and wants the best for His kids, then we should live in peace (not worry), hope (not fear) and love (not hate) knowing God is in control of the difficult and disagreeable, the tragic and traumatic.
Whilst this doesn’t ensure a perfect outcome, or solution, it is comforting to know that He has us in His hands. And, as I have stated on many occasions beforehand, God’s Word clearly tells us that though this world will be full of horrible, difficult moments, it is in these moments that God draws us closer and produces His character and hope in us (Romans 5).
For me, such a realisation is very reassuring as we re-enter the uncertainty that is COVID-19. I am very sad at the sickness and disruption that this disease is causing, and our prayers are with those people and families who are suffering, however it is reassuring to know that God knows, and He cares for us and will sustain us through these times.
As a school we will continue to follow the guidelines as outlined by the NSW Government and the Association of Independent Schools. In doing so, we will continue to support our students and families with as minimal impact as possible to teaching, learning and connection. Though out of our control, I apologise for the inconvenience of having to postpone or cancel those things that are important to us, such as zone athletics carnivals and in school performances. We will do our best to ensure that these go ahead as much as is possible whilst maintaining the safety of our community.
My prayer for us as a community is that we will find peace, hope and love in our Creator God and be able to share this in our community as we go through this next trial together.
Good tidings,
Jonno
P.S. For more thoughts on the chaos praising God go to: https://bibleproject.com/podcast/even-chaos-praises-god/
