October/November
2013 - Vol. 70
CHALLENGES IN LIVING
TOGETHER AS COMMUNITY
.Being
Still in the Midst of the Storm
.
by
Tom Caballes
"Be
still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will
be exalted in the earth!" – Psalm 46:10
Life can be frantic cycle of demands, deadlines, activities and chores.
There are e-mails, Facebook, TV shows, tasks, etc. that pulls our attention.
Then we see ads on TV, billboards, newspaper and the internet that screams
“Sale!” But on the other hand, people need our time too – our spouses,
and members of our families that also needs care. And then there is God,
whom we recognise as the Alpha and the Omega, from whom all time comes
from. Yet our bodies, mind and soul needs a break – we need to rest, re-energise
and restore our bearings as we live our lives. Our lives look like a storm
at times – but do you know in the middle of a storm there is peace? God
is calling us to be like that – as a storm moves about in our lives, there
is inner peace in God.
So How Can We
Grow in Being Still in the Midst of a Storm?
-
Set your priorities right. Know what the matters that are important, not
just what is urgent; we tend to focus on the urgent – but are they really
important?
-
We need to learn to say no – no to people, no to our desires, no to things
that are of lesser or no value. It is better to do some things well than
attempt to do everything badly.
-
Learn to pause and be still, especially when you are confused, pressured
or under stress. Learn to commune with God in the midst of the ‘storm.’
He is in control.
-
Celebrate the Lord’s Day weekly – it is a time to: stop, acknowledge that
God is in control; rest, to give our tired bodies time to recuperate; celebrate,
and thank God for blessings you received; and to delight in the Lord, as
we look forward to the eternal life to which He has called us. Let your
life be recharged at that time!
-
Seek time for personal rest and recreation. You are not a robot; you need
to engage in something that you enjoy – reading a novel, playing a game
of chess, gardening, fishing, etc. Balance your life, but don’t be lazy
too. Seek time to have a special time of prayer in a season as well – like
a personal retreat where you can check your life path and direction.
-
Have physical exercise regularly. For you mind and body to work well, you
need to keep the body refreshed as well. Jog, swim, go to the gym, play
ball games, etc.
Other Scripture References
-
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:7]
-
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… [Galatians 5:22-23a]
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And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were
called in one body. And be thankful. [Colossians 3:15]
-
Other references: Ps. 23; 2 Thes. 3:16; James 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:10-11; 2 Pet.
3:14.
For Personal Reflection
and Group Sharing:
-
Do I live my life like a machine? Do I pause regularly and seek to restore
my soul, my mind, my body and my energy?
-
Can I truly say in my heart that I experience inner peace with God in spite
of all things happening around me? If no, why not? What do I need to do?
 |
Tom Caballes is the National
Senior Administrator and a National Coordinator of the Lamb
of God, a community of the Sword of the Spirit with 7 branches located
throughout New Zealand. Tom also leads Kairos
New Zealand, an outreach program for high school, university, and post-university
aged people.
Tom and his wife Mhel and
their two daughters live in Wellington, New Zealand.
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