‘In rebuilding a broken world, we will have the chance to choose a less hurried life’
(Alan Lightman)
Apparently we think at least 60000 thoughts per day. That’s 2500 an hour. That’s a lot of thoughts!
Our mind is seldom quiet & 80% of our thoughts are negative. Worries for today. Anxieties about our future. About Coronavirus. Regrets. Insecurities. Things we should do. Things we shouldn’t do. Legitimate concerns.Worst case scenarios.Things we have no control over.
If only it was as simple as thinking happy thoughts as Ronald Dahl optimistically suggested. If only we could quieten our mind & rebuild a better life post-COVID.
We need to still ourselves & our minds.
‘Lives that are busy & always on the move do have a tendency to be shallow & scattered. Those who wish for something more substantial,for something deeper & more focused, must give themselves the time & space to reflect’
(Tony Horsfall)
We need to quieten our mind to hear God.
‘If we want to get better at hearing the One who speaks “in a still small voice”, we must befriend silence. If we are to host the One who says, “Be still and know that I am God”, we must ourselves become more present. We expect his voice to boom like thunder, but mostly he whispers.’
(Pete Greig)
We need to get away from incessant mental chatter.
‘Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.’
(Psalm 46:10 MSG)
‘Living reflectively provides opportunities during our day for a closer look at things,at people, at ourselves & at God.The faster the pace of life, though, the more we will miss those opportunities.’
(Ken Gire)
We can quieten our souls through prayer & reading God’s Words in the Bible.
‘Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,’
(1 Peter 2:2 NIV)
This will hush our minds & bring deep contentment:
‘I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content.’
(Psalm 131:2 MSG)
The great & precious promises of God calm our heart & mind.
These promises have settled my unquiet mind. May they calm your unsettled mind too:
‘For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.’
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!’
(Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG)
‘The Lord said, “I will go with you and give you peace.”’
(Exodus 33:14 CEV)
‘For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.’
(Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
Blessings,
Ruthx
Blessed! 