Nougat 26

Summer is here!

With theatrical thunderstorms, hellish heat, and promises of fun-filled moments of vacation and rest. (For the current winter birds, work with us and remember what vacation season used to be). Many are taking advantage of workout opportunities, especially in the great outdoors. For some more sedentary ones, we prefer milder exercise. As we partake of today’s Holy Nougat, we may find we need to get ourselves fit.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world!” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These are very encouraging words. To have Jesus’ direct assurance that God’s got this. And yet, some of the world’s wildest worry warts confess Christ as Savior! How does that work?

Is it that we operate in silos, so our work life does not integrate with our study life; does not integrate with our play life; does not integrate with our spiritual life; does not integrate with our emotional life? For, if that be the case, then case closed – we need not apply God’s Word to any other aspect of our lives.

But we are multifaceted and our lives do intersect despite the restraints we place on it. Firstly, we are not domesticated cats, so each of us has only ONE life, not four, seven or nine. Further, inasmuch as we learn about the various ‘discrete’ systems that comprise these earthly casings of ours called bodies; the systems do rely on each other. Whereas we may successfully maintain a professional focus at the workplace; most of us DO allow for interaction with others, and (hopefully) we experience some overlap.

Perhaps then it is time to revisit how we exercise for spiritual strength. It may be that our relationship with Jesus demands a radical perspective:

We put our Minds in, we put our Minds out,// we put our Minds in and give a victory shout,// for Jesus Christ takes over and turns our lives around// – yes that’s what it’s all about!// (Christ takes over)

And, having our Minds transformed, we go to our Hearts

Then our Bodies, and our Wallets

Then our Souls

And of course we put our Whole Selves in. No room for silos, we are Souled Out to Christ, even in the crisis.

And we each have an awesome proof of what Christ can do with and for us – just look quickly at the last six months of our lives. What has changed? In one sense, if nothing has changed, life is good. But on the deeper level we might have noticed the little things: despite our worrying (less/more), we made it to 2021, and are still around. We know so many didn’t make it, and it could be God’s got a plan just for us. And, should we care to; we just might see the hand of God sustaining us these past days, weeks, months and years.

Perhaps we can pause right now, to acknowledge the blessings we’ve experienced, Our Own trials that Jesus has overcome, and just give thanks and praises. And when we’re done, we might find our peace has been restored and our spirits have more vim, vigor and vitality. Not because of our own strength, but because of our confidence that we can take heart (tan tuddy); for Christ Takes Over!

Amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ