Over the past fortnight, as the situation with Covid-19 worsened, we have seen some very bizarre behaviour in our shops and supermarkets. Panic buying became the norm, to the extent that  many ordinary items (toilet rolls, soap, tinned food and so on) were simply not available. Empty shelves in supermarkets became a strangely familiar sight, adding to the sense of fear and desperation many were feeling.

This bizarre behaviour has obviously led to many cupboards and pantries being well stocked (and apparently the sale of freezers has exponentially risen, so clearly some companies have profited from the crisis!). Some people clearly find comfort in selfishly stocking up and hoarding goods, as this ironic picture indicates.

Jesus talked about our lives, comparing them to trees. (Luke 6:43-45). He said, ‘each tree is recognised by its own fruit’ (Luke 6:44) – reminding us all of our own individuality which is precious (‘people do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.’ Luke 6:44) He also points to the simple fact that what we store inwardly is what will be manifested outwardly: ‘a good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’ (Luke 6:45)

Each day recently I’ve gone to bed exhausted and slightly worried that the next day will be the day when I run out of inspiration. How can I keep going spiritually? How will I continue to minister and speak God’s word? Each morning, as I come before God, I find He is bringing Scriptures to my memory and refreshing me with His word. Each morning, as I wait expectantly on Him, He is there, pouring in fresh hope, endurance, love and strength. Each day I find there are good things stored up in my heart which I can bring forth to munch on and be sustained by!

Let’s store God’s word in our hearts and not worry so much about our store cupboards! ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[ (Matt 4:4) We need God’s word far more than we need anything else right now. By this we shall be sustained, fed and given an overflow that can help others.