I pray that you know the peace that passes all understanding that comes alone from Jesus Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Although it is more difficult that as a church (the collection of saints) to gather, it is exciting to know that the Lord is working His purposes to His glory. It is in these times of adversity we can see God's hand at work. How can we find comfort in the midst of adversity? You know the answer - the Lord God Almighty is in the midst of thee (Zeph. 3:17). Now is the time to get close to God (James 4:8). Most (all?) of us know God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (Dt. 31:6 and Heb. 13:5). Let's consider how we have this assurance and relish the situation:
Firstly, we have God's Word. His Bible is ALL about the grace of God delivering His people throughout the entirety of history. There is no part of Scripture that doesn't resonate with the saint, that God has their ultimate best interest in His heart (Rom. 8:28). This "self-isolation" provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures. I have used the time to read the 'minor' prophets. The Psalms are so full of expressions for the entire range of emotions we are experiencing, be it joy, fear, exhaustion, guilt, shame, peace, depression, etc. Not the least, we can study how our Saviour Jesus endured His experiences, calling on our Father for strength and endurance - and the hope it gives to us. This leads us to the next 'means of grace', prayer.
We can cultivate the wonderful gift of prayer. Make a study of the Lord's Prayer or other prayers in the Bible. See how we express to God our adoration of Him as our Soveriegn and our Father. Confessing our sins to the mercy seat for forgiveness and cleansing. Think about and acknowledge what to thank Him, not the least that He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). Finally, we can pray for the needs of others in this time - family, church family, friends, service providers, and especially medical staff. Pretty soon we realise that we need to be prayer warriors. My mind tends to stray sometimes - don't be distressed. Prayer is intimately talking with the Lord, not a mindless task. Just share what's on your heart throughout the day. Better than just talking to myself 😉 
You can also enjoy any good books that build up or teach the faith. CAREFULLY test the various TV ministries - you're ALWAYS welcome to contact Pastor David or myself for recommended viewing. Beware there is much so-called 'Christian' rubbish programs on there. The same may be said of the local FM radio stations: Salt 106.9 [Suncoast], 96five Family Radio 96.5 [Brisbane], and Cooloola Christian Radio 91.5 [Gympie].
Of course, if anyone needs a chat or prayer, please feel welcome to ring another church family member. I have been struggling with my own mental health and this isolation would normally be such a terrible impact, save for the grace of God! We may not be able to fellowship 'in person', but we can still commune with one another.
I look back through history and contemplate that even during the wars, we were not required to lock ourselves in for extended periods (days) with limited human contact, like we are asked currently. And during periods of plague and pestilence, the church (individual believers together) actually got our hands dirty helping the sick and suffering. But just as the Lord has carried us through droughts, floods, fires, cyclones, conflicts and other turmoils, we know from personal experience that He will carry us through this short trial. This is still our time to be salt and light, to the glory of God our Father (Mt. 5:13-16).
God bless you all.
Your brother in Christ.
~ John 0417 636 911
