The joy about today’s Holy Nougat, is that it can be a group practice; but also has elements which can be personalized for one person.
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Colossians 3:16 NLT
So, continuing from yesterday’s reflection … we enjoy the benefits of teaching and counsel in a small group, or in the larger worship space. Some noted that occasionally the service prior is unpacked in a small group setting; others gather to pray and encourage each other in the faith and sometimes it is just about having fun as believers. I believe that that’s one way of filling our lives with the message of Jesus our Christ.
Thankfully, for the introverts, Jesus was not always in the public space. He also retreated into Himself and spent time apart from others in prayer. For prayer is a private, though occasionally public, activity. Can you imagine having a friend with whom you only spoke in public? Or worse, could you BE the friend who was only spoken to in public? Not quite – at least; not for me.
Thus, we also spend quality time with God in private prayers. About the day, little things, our joys, concerns etc. And where we cannot find our own words, we use scripture, and hymns (just like lovers use other’s poems and love songs to convey their feelings to their beloved). The further joy is, when we are truly burdened and we can’t get a word out; our relationship is such that even our moans and tears are interpreted as words through the power of God’s Spirit.
So what if we seem or sound a little kooky for singing praise even outside the worship service? God is praised and our relationship is strengthened! Hallelujah! And when we have a group which offers us that extra encouragement and support; so much the better to understand God’s Word! All round win for us
My dears, our relationship with Jesus has to begin somewhere; with us! It must be maintained – by us! Let’s keep that momentum going.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
