Renewal

Yesterday a co-worker and I were discussing locus of control, the idea of whether things happen to us because of things beyond our control (external locus) or because of what we do and tell ourselves (internal locus). Certainly, the reality is a combination of the two. Our discussion got me to thinking about thinking. Obviously, things happen that we can't control. But we can control how we react to them, including how we think about them. This is basic, popular psychobabble, isn't it? Nothing too new here. But it is worth thinking about.

When you are a Christian, these concepts go beyond psychobabble. We have a God who is available to help transform our thinking. I thought about Romans 12:2 this morning:

Do not conform any longer 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.

It seems to me that we tend to think of this verse in light of the indulgences of the Romans--you know, those horrible, not-to-be-spoken-of sins. (The previous verse talks about offering our bodies as living sacrifices.)

However, what about stress? What about not getting enough sleep, enough exercise? What about eating unhealthful foods? What about isolating ourselves, away from relationships and community?

The pattern of our world is extreme stress, coupled with pressures to be perfect--whatever that means in your life. God never meant for us to feel this way.

We may not be able to control all of the circumstances we are in. But we can make changes in how we live. With New Year's just around the corner, it's a great time to think about renewing your thinking about how you live. One of the best ways to do this is to read scripture. God made everything, so He's probably the best One to consult on life.

So, Why Don't We?

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).

I read this verse and am encouraged in the reminder that Jesus has been through the struggles of this life and wants to help us through them. But then I stop and wonder....

Why don't we approach the throne of grace and request help from our Father more often?

There are many reasons why we don't. But none of them are very good. So if you, like me, have not been daily asking your Father for direction, strength, wisdom, comfort, or whatever, please renew your resolve today to make it a priority. And this time of year--with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner--is a perfect time to remember the One from whom all good things come.

Everyday Gifts

Lately I've been struggling a bit with the "Why?" issues of faith. We all go through these phases--I believe we must experience these times to have true, tested faith. Sometimes God doesn't provide many answers to the big questions. However, He often grants our prayer requests in the form of little, "everyday" gifts. They may seem insignificant, but when you're really wondering if He's up there, if He cares, it makes a big difference.

Chronic insomnia plagues me, and recently I woke up in the middle of the night to loud, gusting winds. I was concerned about our patio furniture and plants outside, and the anxiety kept me awake for a long time. The narrative of Jesus' calming the winds at sea jumped into my mind. I said to God, "I know You calmed the winds at least once. I know You can do it now. Please, please, God, make the winds die down just long enough for me to go back to sleep."

Within minutes, the winds were stilled.

I slipped back into sleep, somewhat surprised and very grateful.

When I awoke in the morning, the wind was active again. But it had calmed down enough for me to sleep again, and that was exactly what I'd asked for. The next morning I told my husband about my middle-of-the-night prayer. He said that he had noticed that the winds calmed down and very abruptly--so I know it wasn't just my imagination.

God knows that our faith sometimes needs a little boost. He knew I needed sleep that night. I've experienced at least one other honored "everyday" prayer request since that windy night. I still have some big prayer requests that give me some pain. But these little gifts from my Father help me to continue to ask and give the strength and wisdom to understand that His wisdom and timing are much better than mine.