Staying Grounded

“As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.” (Matthew 14:13) NLT)

I have been really busy lately--lots of stuff going on. I feel scattered, unmoored from my soul. This is not the first time I’ve experienced this discomfort...this realization that things are not as they should be. I’ve noticed there are a few things that help me: gardening, doing a few loads of laundry, washing dishes, reading, and writing. These sorts of quiet, solitary activities make me feel grounded. 

When the business of living untethers us from the Spirit, it is time to take a break. We may need to eliminate distractions, retreat from the company of people, and have some private time with God. Jesus frequently withdrew from the crowds to be alone. He knew the importance of solitude, meditation, and prayer. Let us emulate Jesus by pulling back from the world so that we can stay connected to the Father.

Waiting Time

“God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27 BSB)

I’ve always had purses that were big enough to carry a book. Anytime I had to wait for anything, I would pull out my book and start reading. These days, I just pull out my smartphone. I can occupy myself for hours checking messages, emails, social media, news websites, etc.

I noticed how much I craved distraction, and how uncomfortable I felt just looking around in public. Checking my phone or reading a book made me feel efficient and productive. On the contrary, not having something to focus on made me feel like my time was being wasted, even if it was just a few minutes waiting in line for the cashier at the grocery store. This desire for distraction and usefulness had become a barrier between me and God--which is the definition of sin.

Recently, I have been trying something different. When I have a few minutes to pause during the day, instead of reaching for my phone, I reach out to God. I pray. I look for Him in my surroundings, in the people around me. I pray. I listen carefully for His voice. I talk to Him about my concerns. I pray. This change has not been easy, but it has been rewarding. I am becoming more aware of myself, of others, and of God in our midst.

Blessed One

“They shouted, "Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!” (John 12:13 NLT)

The Lord is blessed--divine, holy, and glorified. Jesus, who came in the name of the Lord is also blessed--honored, sanctified, and consecrated. Those who know God acknowledge His sacred reputation.

When things are going well, it is natural to honor God. When a prayer is answered, a loved one is healed, an impossible problem is resolved, we are eager to exalt and thank God. However, when things don’t work out according to our vision, any mention of God feels unsympathetic. That is why we rarely hear songs of praise being sung at funerals. The Blessed One remains unchanged, no matter what the circumstances.

Lord, You are holy, exalted, and honorable. Help me to glorify you in the way I respond to every situation.

Ingrained Guilt

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NLT)

As a child, I was raised to be hyper responsible. This led me to believe that if people around me were depressed, disappointed, or dissatisfied, it was my role to fix it. Since it was impossible to keep everyone happy all the time, I ended up feeling inadequate. I felt like a turkey that was brined, baked, and basted in guilt and then glazed over with shame for good measure. And if that were not enough, there were always little salt and pepper shakers of it at the ready for additional sprinkling. I grew up thinking that everything must somehow be my fault. I took none of the credit if things worked out, but self-condemnation became second nature.

Over the years, I have learned to subdue the ingrained feelings of self-reproof. I try not to give credence to obligatory ‘shoulds’ and contrived customs. There will always be those who use blame and shame as weapons of manipulation. I realized that just because someone tries to place the responsibility for their discontent at my feet, it doesn’t mean I have to pick it up. In reality, I do not have power over other people’s emotions, but I can change my perspective.  

These days, I have traded in my feelings of disgrace for the extravagantly forgiving grace of God. I invite the Spirit of God to infuse me and cleanse me from the inside out. Where I am deficient, God is sufficient. When I am powerless, He is all-powerful. Nothing is beyond His reach or His understanding. I take a step back, make space, and wait patiently for God to work things out.

Friend

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20 NLT)

With the rise of social media, the concept of friendship has become blurry. Companions, relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, and those who share similar interests are lumped together and labeled as friends. We have diminished this relationship to mean a person that we know, but toward whom we do not feel hostile at the moment.

True friendship is a complex dance full of rhythmic and collaborative give and take. It is a harmonious blend of mutual love, trust, and respect. It cannot flourish unless both parties are attuned to each other, will the good of the other, and can confidently depend on each other.  And this is the kind of friendship that Jesus offers. He knocks at the door and waits for us to respond. If we  listen, if we are receptive, then He communes with us. God desires to be our intimate friend. We were created for this synergistic relationship, and we shall not find satisfaction in anything less. 

“When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant.”  ( John 15:5 MSG)

Running Track

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Psalm 139:14 NLT)

In track and field, many of the shorter distance races are held on regulation tracks with precise measurements. The 200 and 400 meter races have separate lanes and staggered starting points for each runner. Since the outer lanes are longer than the inner ones, this ensures that each runner covers the same distance.

God made each of us unique and complex. We have different approaches and paces as we run toward Christ. There are linear thinkers, abstract philosophers, skeptics, dogmatists, conformists, intuitives, sensors, traditionalists, conservatives, and progressives, all on the same journey. While some adhere to their native theological beliefs, others may explore new ideological perspectives. We may have individual life paths and staggered starting points of faith, but the goal is the same: to cross the finish line. Thus, let us run this race with consistent drive, unflagging determination, and enduring purpose.  

Condemnation vs. Correction

Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11 ESV)

Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery; neither did He overlook her sin. Instead, he offered compassion, forgiveness, and correction.

What is the difference between condemnation and correction?  

Condemnation declares something as beyond repair, uninhabitable, or incurable. Correction, on the other hand, intends to aid in recovery and improvement. It implies careful evaluation in the hope of setting things right. Unfortunately, many of us conflate the two, lumping all forms of critique as judgmentalism. Sorting and separating these two concepts requires discernment.

For example, if a good friend of mine notices that I am about to make a choice that may have long-term, negative consequences, what should she do? She could decide to keep her opinions to herself; after all, she doesn’t know for sure that her instincts are accurate. Plus, I may not accept what she has to say, and it could damage our friendship.

Condemnation of a stranger or an enemy is easier than admonishing a loved one. Correction requires boldness from the giver and humility from the recipient. It’s difficult to accept advice from those we do not respect or trust.  

Lord, grant that we may follow Your example in all things. Teach us to have empathy, grace, boldness, and humility. Help us to give and accept correction when necessary.