|
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10 ESV)
I suspect most of us have a predisposition to want more in life. Presently I want more time to work. I had a minor surgery last month so as a result I am still not finished with the refurbishment I undertook over two months ago. If I am going to heal I have to, by the Grace of God, do less and let the healing process do its work.
Finally I now have my brain back from the fug caused by the earlier pain. Apparently I have learnt from experience my body attempts to switch off, in an attempt to distance itself from the pain. It is quite scary how, separate from the site of injury, pain can deaden the brain’s capacity to think. Years ago I had the same fug caused by work stress.
It is in these situations that we may find it harder to hear God because the high pain – physical or mental - threshold gets in the way of being in a peaceful state of mind to receive. In writing it reminded me of the POM’s. P.O.M. stands for Poor Old Me, where I am preoccupied with my focus inwards instead of upwards. I used to talk about the little boy that called out to my inner-self: Life is not fair, and so it is in this case, I want healing!
Pain is not the only incitement that can stop us from seeking God; depression, willfulness and foolish desire are some others that in a similar manner can crowd out the voice of God. Consequently God’s Word to us can seem miles away in the Bible.
Yet we know that God always wants to bring us Life as in John 10:10. Sometimes it comes in the form of redemptive healing but, for us Christians, it is mainly found in the heart and mind. Life with Jesus with the Father, through the mechanism of the Holy Spirit, is what we are created to treasure whilst we are here on earth.
As we find this treasure we are promised abundant Life; a place where we are found in Jesus at peace.
So it is up to us to ask for Jesus’ help to change our focus, to let go of the fear, frustration, guilt, shame etc. and to hold our nerve (See James 1:12).
May we as we call out to Jesus in praise and thanks for His life given for us, subdue, by this Grace from God, all things not of Him because Jesus came to bring us freedom but it is a matter of will and determination to reach out to Jesus in prayer.
Prayer: LORD, Help us. As we reach out to You today, in Jesus’ name above all other names, please set us free from doubt, anguish and fear and grant to us Your Life-giving peace and presence, amen.
Roderick Marshall
|
