Frantic movement, frayed nerves, fragile hearts.
Our society is brutal.
At every turn, there is hurt and heartache, loneliness and despair. We are running ourselves into the ground. Chasing the next paycheck; the dream; that high. On every side we are bombarded with what our lives should be–how to achieve perfection. We are told what our bodies should look like. We stress over getting our kids into that new “IT” pre-school. If our house looks nicer than hers. Whether or not we drive a more expensive vehicle than he does. We spend hundreds of dollars on smartphones. And thousands on entertainment and the false image of reality.
We are losing sight of ourselves. Lost in the crowd of competing. Each year busier and more stress-filled than the last.
What is especially sad is that many of these hurried, hurting people claim the name of Christ. The Christ who saves. The Christ who heals and restores. The same Christ who redeems us and has broken the chains of despondency.
So why are those chains still there? Is it that Christ has no real power? How can this be? The power of Christ marched into hell and led forth a host of redeemed. Can it be that Christ doesn’t care enough for us and our hurts? This same Christ who willingly DIED, brutally, for us?
My intent is not to preach salvation. Not today. I’m not trying to convince you that my God is able. You either already know that, or you don’t. You believe it, or you don’t. If you are unsure, and would like to discuss these truths more, by all means, please do.
But today, I ponder for myself. I have to process my thoughts. Because I do believe that my God is able. I know this fact to be irreversibly true. I don’t question His ability—I will never question His ability. He has proven Himself to me beyond a shadow of a doubt.
If then, it is not the ability, the power, or the love of Christ that is in question…what is? How can this be?
Is it possible that my own perception…or even yet, my choice to abide in Him that may be in need of reflection?
Do I choose to live by what I profess? Do I pursue an active rest in His peace? Or am I too busy rushing to the next big spiritual mile-marker?
Isn’t it about time we slow down and live intentionally?