Here are some of the lyrics to a not-so-well-known song by John Lennon, which just might be the perfect expression of the mood of these times. It’s called “Isolation”:

People say we got it made.
Don't they know we're so afraid?
Isolation
 
We're afraid to be alone,
everybody got to have a home.
Isolation …
 
We're afraid of everyone
Afraid of the sun
Isolation …
 
These may be strange times – fearful and isolating times – but we are not alone in this experience. Others have gone before us to shine a light on our way. Many of the Psalms were written by people in the middle of earth-shaking, terrifying times. It was there, right in the middle of their fears and troubles that they found God in all his strength and grace.
 
Today’s Psalm is Psalm 47.
 
God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.

​

Chris Denne