May message2007

Dear friends

Sadness in spring just does not seem right. We can speak easily of the woes of winter because everybody knows exactly what we mean - many winter days really are very dark, gloomy and dreary. But spring is the season of life, joy, vibrancy and general optimism. Harry Secombe used to sing,' If I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of spring' - no doubt he would be a more popular choice than some of the goons that seem to rule the world - because spring is something that everybody can look forward to and enjoy.

But what do you do when the birds are singing, the sun is shining, the trees are budding and all nature is bursting into life around you, and your own heart is sad - out of tune with creation?

Is it simply because you care - your own life is fine, but you see other people suffering illness, serious difficulties and terrible loss. Surely such sadness is commendable - you have a sense of the community - you think beyond your own interests and you are there, if needed, to help.

Is it because you despair - no matter which party you vote for, the things you really care about don't seem to improve. The Bible tells us, as Christians, to pray for those in authority. Could it be that we are at fault because we prefer to moan about politicians than pray for them?

Is it because you are rare - you feel sad because of sin? It may be that you are saddened by the prevailing sins of society. It may be you are appalled by the behaviour of those in the public eye. Or it may be because of the sin you find in your own heart and in your own life.

It is to such rare people that the Bible offers help. "Blessed are those that mourn," said Jesus "for they shall be comforted". True sorrow over sin is the result of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. He teaches us how to repent and turn away from sin. It is through the once crucified, now risen, Saviour that the comforts of God abound. It is through the cross that the sinner's sorrow is turned into joy.


Yours in the Gospel of Christ

Eddie Jones (Pastor) Back to top