This is part of an ongoing series during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. To engage further in the #QuarantineSoulCare series, click here.
In the heat and pressure of daily living, it’s easy to forget that God is present with us and to slide into self-referenced thinking in which we are consumed with what we want and how (stressed) we feel. Our minds flash from one thing to another as life pulls us in many directions among the demands of work, family, health, and finances. Perhaps that’s why meetings of Christians often begin by asking God to be with us, as if God had found something more interesting to do. …
Contemplation—thoughtfully considering God’s desires, even waiting on and delighting in God—reconnects us with God in the midst of our scatteredness. When I pause in contemplation, I sense that the God who holds the universe together can also hold me together. In the quiet, I recall how God has helped me in the past. I once again remember that I am one whom God so loves. …
In contemplative prayer, we begin by bringing our real selves that are focused on our desires, demands, and needs, saying, “I want.” Then by fixing our attention on God who loves us, we let go of our desire to manage people, circumstances, ourselves, and feelings. As we acknowledge God’s willingness to empower and partner with us, we find ourselves saying, “God, knowing you is enough for me.” We sense the peace of God that is beyond human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—
because I am GOD, your personal God.
–Isaiah 43:1-4, The Message
Today may you be reminded that the God who holds the universe together can also hold you together. #quarantinesoulcare Click To Tweet
Today’s reading was taken from When the Soul Listens by Jan Johnson.
