MAORI POSTAL AOTEAROA
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Autumn 2020
TE PANUI Nga manaakitanga i runga i te ingoa o te tatou Ariki, o Ihu Karaiti. Covid-19 has changed the way we live our lives. Everyday activities previously taken for granted, face to face interactions with friends and family, school drop offs, gym sessions, social engagements, church meetings, etc have all been put on hold as we collectively fight against an enemy we cannot see. People are having to face the fact that they are not immortal – eternity is just one breath away. During these uncertain times it’s easy to feel scared or anxious, and to become discouraged. Fear, anxiety and stress often develop in our thoughts, and can take a toll on our physical and emotional health. The circumstances we find ourselves in don’t mold us as much as our thoughts do. We may find ourselves in lockdown physically, but that doesn’t mean we need to be in lockdown mentally or emotionally.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 “…. brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things.” I challenge us to take guard over our thoughts. Ask yourself - what are you dwelling on? God has given us the power to decide what we will think about. We would encourage you that during this time of uncertainty and fear, to choose to dwell on the promises of God. Use this time to grow your relationship with Christ. If you find yourself thinking negative or disbelieving thoughts, view them as birds and allow them to fly past – don’t dwell on them, thus allowing them time to “nest in your hair”. Paul continues in Philippians 4:13 by stating “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” It is by trusting Christ and believing what He says, that we are given the strength to get through these challenging times.