Community Updates from Dr. Bob: 08/23/2023
Fall is just around the corner! While you may be dreaming of cozy sweaters for a while yet, the season has probably already shown up on your calendar. Things tend to get busy at this time of year! Is it possible to find the time to do it all?
C.S. Lewis described the feeling well: “It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind.”
Doesn’t that feel like our lives sometimes? All our worries come rushing at us like wild animals—immediately upon our waking. The rest of the day then is an exercise at holding them at bay, and trying—often in vain—to regain an inner sense of equilibrium and perspective.
Jesus knew we would have worries (see Matthew 6:25-27). Yet he has also given us the tools to live a balanced, productive, and peaceful life when we follow his ways:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30
Isn’t it great that the Word of God speaks so clearly to things that deeply matter to us today? The details of our busy lives matter to God. The Bible provides insight that when applied to our daily lives allows us the freedom and perspective necessary to follow Jesus as his disciples without feeling overwhelmed and helpless. As we move into fall, we will be leaning in and learning how to access rest and lighten our burdens with Jesus.
Join us this Sunday as we start our sermon series on Priorities: Living Life as God Intended.
Wednesday Prayer Walk
Are you looking for an easy way to connect with others and God in a meaningful way? How’s Wednesday morning for you? A group of us always walk and pray, beginning at the church courtyard at 8:30. We find 20 minutes of prayer and exercise is a wonderful way to start our day and helps us get in touch with God’s wider vision for our neighborhood. We would love to have you join us!
