THE RESET WE NEED

 

 

August 2, 2024

 

God, forgive me for my preoccupation with visible things. Truth is, the world has been too much with me. You have been here and I didn't know it. I have been blind to your presence. Open my eyes that I may behold you in and around me. In Jesus name. Amen.

  

Romans 12:1-2

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

 

I find that over the course of an average day, I experience moments when my mind needs to refresh. I wonder if you face similar moments in your days as well. It would be really handy if we had a reset button, we could push, wouldn’t it? 

Well, we do have a way to reset. This week we have been looking at some ways to do just that. When too many things clamor to take up space in our head, we need to reset by taking a moment to tune into God’s abiding presence.  Each of the spiritual practices we looked at this week are ways that can help us to renew our minds, to reset, and connect to God.  I  have found that using these practices can bring peace and calm into my unsettled spirit. Over time as we develop these disciplines we are more able to “to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2).

Which practice most helped you tune into God this week?

Was it seeking God through your work?

Breathing and repeating the Jesus prayer?

Stilling your body and mind for tension?

Or being mindful of the world around you?

Whichever practice was most helpful to you this week, make that your practice today.Use one of these practices to deepen your awareness of God’s presence in your life.

Tune into God through work. Try to imagine a task as something that you and God are doing together. Listen for any new insights, ideas, or emotions that come to your mind while working.

Practice the Jesus Breath Prayer. Breath in and repeat the words, “Lord Christ.” Breath out and repeat the words, “Have mercy on me.”

Still your mind and body to “know God.” Do you recall the Hebrew verb “raphah” which means “be still”, or more literally means “to let something drop, to let go, or to abandon something.” Ask God to help you let go, to let something drop, so you can rest in Him.

Mindfulness. Be present to the world around you. Notice your thoughts and surroundings without judgement. Ask God what he’d like you to pay attention to.

 

Let’s Pray

God, renew my mind through your Holy Spirit. May I follow you in my moment-by-moment. Amen.