There is a remedy, but we don't think we need it

Life is busy! Actually, a better way to describe it is this: Life is relentless. 

We never seem to get a break or catch our breath. We are rushing from one thing to the next, giving ourselves little time to even process our emotions along the way. And the result of all of this is that more and more of us are feeling exhausted and ready to scream. We constantly ask the question: Is it ever going to stop!? And in truth, if we don't do something about it, then this same cycle will continue, perpetually! It won't stop if we don't so something about it.

Ecclesiastes 7:39 – “God made man simple: man’s complex problems are of his own devising.” (Jerusalem Bible)

At the core of our culture of busyness, is our reluctance to take a Sabbath rest. Perhaps it is because we are afraid to fall behind the racing pack, or we argue that we can't afford the time to recreate ourselves. However, in truth, we are harming ourselves in the long run. We are not able to perform at our peak, because our bodies and minds are exhausted. Our mental health has taken a hit and we are left fending off all kinds of demons in our minds. 

But God has already given us a remedy, but we don't think we need God's advice. We think we know better. We think that taking some time to rest is seen as a failure. However, the irony is that when we do take some time out or even a short holiday, we usually come back stronger, more focussed and more energised to do our work and to be present with our loved ones.

So, perhaps God knows best after all. It may be wise for us to listen to his advice. Our health depends on it. 

Mark 2:27 - Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Living in Grace

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Single-Minded

Isaiah 38:3 - “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.”

Remaining Single-minded is hard in this day and age. There are so many distractions, opinions, noises and voices out there that keeping focused is certainly a tough ask. So, how do we do this? How do we remain single-minded on the things of God. How do we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus? 

I guess there are a myriad of opinions on this, but I have found that keeping a daily time with God is the most helpful in this regard. Another helpful habit is to check in with other believers, in regular worship, prayer and fellowship. 

Question: What is preventing you from keeping focused on Jesus at the moment? How can we change this, even if it is just one small change? 

Proverbs 4:25 - Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Living in Grace

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Where are we looking?

 

So often we spend so much energy searching for everything else, besides God. When we continue this pattern for a long time, we eventually grow restless and dissatisfied. C.S. Lewis reminds us of the simple adjustment we need to make in our Spiritual lives:

"Look for Christ and you will find him. And with Him, everything else." 

Matthew 6:33-34 - 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What do you think of this?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Thoughts on International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day (8th March) and so I would like to honour all of our women readers, as well as the women in our community. May God bless you all. 

To celebrate this occasion from a Christian perspective, I offer you three quotes from remarkable women of faith. These ladies may not be known by us all, but their legacy lives on through the witness of their faith. 

 “The moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how we may lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how can we best glorify God in it.” - (Susannah Spurgeon)

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.” - (Elisabeth Elliot)

"Look what the Lord has done for me! My people were ashamed of me, but now the Lord has taken away that shame." - Elizabeth (Luke 1:25)

Living in Grace

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Why is it so hard for me?

"Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me

to keep my heart directed toward you?
Why does my mind wander off in so many directions,
and why does my heart desire
the things that lead me astray?
Let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil.
Take my tired body,
my confused mind,
and my restless soul into your arms
and give me rest, simple quiet rest." - Henri Nouwen

I believe that one of the most important things to focus on, during Lent, is our honesty and authenticity. This prayer strikes a chord with me, as it 'tells it as it is' - Henri Nouwen owns his frailty, but still reaches out to God for strength and rest.

How is your Lenten journey going?

Psalm 10:1 - "Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"

Living in Grace

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No answer or perhaps the Answer

“I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?” - C.S. Lewis

There is something beautifully simple about these words. How often do I have questions that never seem to be answered, yet I have been given the opportunity to approach Jesus directly? God may not answer all my questions, but I should always remember that he is the Answer I am looking for. 

Does that make any sense? I hope so :) 

Romans 7:25 - The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Living in Grace

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Lord of the unexpected

"Lord of every pilgrim heart,
you are beside me and before me on the way,
surprising me through your Spirit
at every turning on the path.
Yet, like your disciples
on the Emmaus Road,
I often fail to recognise my companion.
In this morning hour,
and in whatever the day may hold,
open my eyes to see your presence,
that I may celebrate with you
the gift of the morning,
O Lord of the unexpected." - Prayer from Iona

"That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles[c] from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him." - Luke 24:13-16 

“Earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. —ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING”

Living in Grace

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