Day 30 – Issue 18

Be Still Know

Colossians 3:2 NLT

‘Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.’

My mind is constantly active. It can trawl through thousands of thoughts apparently simultaneously. A visual image, written sentence or random thought can spiral into a complex thought process in which the innocent can so easily become casualties of my thought-out conclusions. A high proportion of such thoughts emerge from the varied assumptions I develop to bridge gaps in my own knowledge or understanding.

I’m very aware that to get beyond earthbound thinking takes some effort. When Katey was surrounded by the medical and care system, it was easy to find fault. It also felt energising both to criticise and write extended letters outlining the failures with Katey’s provision. On one occasion, I found myself challenged by social services on the basis of an erroneous comment made by one of Katey’s carers. I was livid, even after receiving an apology from social services. My cynicism grew and I became known for my  verbal attacks upon the shortcomings of the service established to bring practical support and personal reassurance to Katey.

While I felt justified in making my criticisms, a champion for the good as I saw it, I failed to take account of how Jesus might perceive the situation.

There’s a rhythm that marks life in God’s presence, a very different rhythm to earthbound life. It’s not a matter of playing make-believe or pure positive thought, it’s taking time to explore God’s perspective and what the character of the kingdom might be in any given situation. Earthbound I merely represented myself and my concerns, however righteous they might appear to me and to others. The rhythm of heaven demanded greater focus upon how the kingdom might be revealed and Jesus made manifest. It is a deliberate act of the will to empower the mind to pursue God’s thoughts and surrender its fascination and demand to make sense of the world on its own.

QUESTION: What might Jesus say to the challenges and opportunities you currently face?

PRAYER: Lord, help me seek first the kingdom of God in all things.