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 GT
Geoff Thomas

'he light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:5)
 
During the lockdown, in my work as a trainee paramedic, I came across people for whom isolation was crippling them with fear. It made me realise how much the human race needs interaction and that the worst fear you can have is the fear of the unknown. I often came across those living on their own and found that without that shoulder to lean on and without that reassurance that others can give, fear multiplied the situation exponentially. I met people who had not been out of the house or had visitors and then called 999 because they felt that they were sick with COVID-19. A lot of that came from watching the news and the not so good stories emanating from it all day long. It played on the mind.
 
It was strange being on the road during early stages of lockdown. It seemed like the end of the world and we were the only ones left in it. Most of the time we would only have blue lights on because although we wanted to go through red lights  there was never a need for sirens. It was a very eerie time and for a lot of the time we were the only people folk had seen in days.
 
Through all of this, even with no end in sight, I kept thinking God has a plan. The world changed. People were a lot nicer, and more appreciative of each other. Families had time together that they had not appreciated in the busyness of life. People were more open to talking about God and to prayer.  So much changed and although there was a lot of loss and sadness that shouldn’t be glossed over, I saw the light shine in the darkness. The fact that we are coming out of it, we can be assured that the darkness could not overcome it. When you then read the verse that comes before it ‘In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind’ (John 1:4), it fills you with a warm feeling. 
 
Prayer: Almighty God, fill our hearts with love. Let your light shine in us, in our thoughts, in our words and in our interactions with one another. Let us continue the good that has seen us pull out of this uncertain time and let your light always shine in the reassurance that the darkness cannot overcome it. Amen.
 
Prayer Request:  Pray for those who are continuing to support lonely and vulnerable people,  including social workers, local charities and the emergency services.   Ask that they would have the strength, wisdom and resources to ensure no one has to cope alone.