We have survived lockdown before and we can do it again, says Sheffield minister

Then I felt the weariness of the last six months overwhelm me again.

That was followed by me asking myself a question: “How on earth can we get through the next six months?”

The first time we were locked down, there was shock because it all happened so quickly.

The second time around there is dread because we all know what we had to do before.

I sense a weariness, fear and even intolerance to what we are about to face.

The economy is on a knife edge.

Many jobs are on the line.

It feels like our resilience is weak and there is low morale.

So here is my thought for you to consider…

We can do it again because we did it before.

We know how to beat this virus and we know how to support each other.

What we need to do is to remain rooted in the values that got us through before.

The word ‘rooted’ is important. Just like a weather-worn tree stands strong despite the many storms it has withstood because it is rooted and grounded.

So, we can get through this despite feeling weather worn and weary.

As a Christian, I am rooted in my faith in God. I find my security in the knowledge that I am part of his household and he will be my protector which leads me to find the energy to be thankful for his care and provision even in the hardest times in my life.

“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2vs7.

I have found that my faith gives me resilience because I have built my life on God, I am part of a community who look out for each other in times of need.

This in turn energises me to be thankful for all those tirelessly working to beat this virus.

The Reverend Jonathan Haigh is a minister at Victoria Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield city centre, and Greenhill Methodist Church – see greenhillmethodistchurch.com for more information.