Happy New Year, friends!
Each new year brings a need to refresh, reset, restart. I will be more thankful, grateful,
serene. I have grand plans, if not
concrete goals or resolutions. This year
I will be better, more accomplished, more focused. It’s a great feeling, to start anew, but
inevitably life says ha, ha. Things
really aren’t so different. You really
aren’t so different. Move along; the
hamster wheel is slowing down.
Great feelings gone.
All I want is a little peace and contentment with what I have, and
maybe a little bit of motivation to do one or two teeny, tiny, *big* things.
Gentleness. Peace. Contentment.
These were things that Paul wrote about, characteristics he displayed
and taught to the new Christians of the churches he ministered. He used his own life as an example, told them
how in everything he did and in every place he found himself, he learned to be
content, whether in need or in plenty, in good times and in bad.
I don’t know about you, but I’m sure not Paul.
Sometimes I wonder if I would be more like Paul, more outspoken about
faith and definitively more Christ-like if I had a dramatic conversion like he
had. Though he also killed Christians up
to the moment of his conversion, so...
Dramatic life = dramatic conversion. That doesn’t really describe me. Not even a little bit.
It’s easy to romanticize and simplify a life like Paul’s, one
painted with broad brushstrokes, the big moments highlighted and the small ones
glossed over. It’s easy to overlook the
details. In his writings he certainly
didn’t dwell on the moments of his life that we all face, those moments in the
middle of the night when we are gripped by panic about small things. That wasn’t God’s purpose for him, to go into
detail about those moments.
He most certainly had them.
Right? Imprisonment, shipwreck,
beatings, health issues – the man had problems.
I don’t know that I fully believe that Paul didn’t struggle under the weight
of his problems, that his mind was a steel trap filled with only godly things, banishing
all dark thoughts.
We don’t really see those moments of weakness from Paul’s
life. I’m projecting them for sure. I like to know that even the strongest among
us – those who exude confidence and righteousness and positivity and all those
good things that we are all to aspire to display – are also human, just like
me. I like to think that if Paul, the
greatest missionary that ever lived, had struggled with life knowing all that
he faced and still found a way to trust God’s truths and be content with them within the context of his life,
then I can find a way to do the same.
I like a little personal connection with my saints.
Fortunately, the one who Paul tapped for inner peace and
contentment is the same one who is there for me. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit – there are
actually three. Three beings who are
present to draw strength from, to lean on, and to model my life after. The same Good News that Paul preached and
taught the churches to have faith in and rely upon is there for me. For all of us. Our job is to acknowledge it, believe it, and
trust it. When we give our worries and negativity
over to God, we will experience that peace.
In small moments I have felt that peace, when I remember to go to
God first with my troubles. With
practice I hope to seek God constantly, in everything that I face in life, the
good and the bad. I will see what Paul
experienced then, in my own context.
This
year, like every year, I hope to get a little closer to Paul’s peace.
*******
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be
made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteLot's of food for thought here. I always assumed Paul had his moments when he was scared and tired as you said above he had some problems. But seemed to know how to stand on the Word. On God's promises. That is the one thing I am constantly trying to get better at.
You and me both, Mary. Good to see we're in good company. :)
DeleteLove your thoughts here! To think that this man Saul once left on voyages to bring back believers as a way of "cooling" his anger...this guy named Paul seems like quite the opposite. It really does show how God's in-dwelling presence CHANGES people, way beyond their name. Great stuff here!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Bethany! It would be so much easier to see a dramatic change, I think. But eeeeks... the drama - it scares me! I don't desire a shipwreck. :)
DeleteGreat stuff indeed. Great article Mary!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ashley!
DeleteAs usual, you made me laugh and you made a lot of sense. I'm sure Paul had his wrestlings (if nothing more than his "thorn"). I like a little personal connection with my saints too. But yes, I've been praying for the peace that surpasses all understanding as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm always trying to get under the surface - What else went on there? There had to be more! - but have to be satisfied with what I am given. Thanks Jennie! xo
Delete"In his writings he certainly didn’t dwell on the moments of his life that we all face, those moments in the middle of the night when we are gripped by panic about small things." - I like this quote. He didn't beat himself up over his past either. I do. My goal this year is to remember I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139) So I can face ALL my moments with grace. @bloomingwithjoy.com
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, friend. xo
DeleteMy son was just reading to me about Paul today. An article about an atheist converting to Christianity. Let me see if I can find it...
ReplyDeleteI think he's a fantastic role model, but Paul is so out of my league when it comes to major moments with God. I'm a little star-struck, I think. Thanks for finding me here! xo
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