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Reflection & Prayers for December

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Keeping the Peace

That hassled feeling.  When it comes, how do we get back to that calm centre where peace rules?  Eugene Peterson (who wrote ‘The Message’ bible) offers a good insight.  He says that in worship we put God at the centre of our lives, whereas our normal sinful tendency is to arrange the world around ourselves, each striving to be the centre.  And when the world refuses – how dare things not work out the way I want!  But God is the only true Centre.  And we only get right with ourselves and the world when we arrange our lives around him, as in worship (at least, when we’re focussing on God).  So, if feeling hassled indicates that God is not currently our Centre, what can we do about it? 

We can resolutely remind ourselves that God is Creator and Ruler of all, and that when we put ourselves in his care, accepting his forgiveness through Jesus, we promise to obey his leading in the Spirit – that’s worship.  It puts the Lord back at the Centre: we can look to him for guidance (because he knows); we can rely on him for help (because he’s almighty); and we can trust that our circumstances are well within his plan (because nothing’s beyond him).  And then we can pray with purpose.  Lord, am I doing what you want, in your timing?  Should I hang on in there (with your help), or look for a new way forward, for you love to surprise us with your endless creativity? 

That doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle to work things out.  And if before letting God’s peace umpire our lives we’ve had a good old rant at him, we need feel no guilt.  God doesn’t mind that at all.  The picture represents me whizzing round and finding things impossible, but God is still there – Father, Son and Spirit: three, but one.

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

3 December 2012
Where are you Lord, when I want you?   No, sorry, Lord.  I suppose the better question is ‘Where am I?’  Please, Lord, help me approach your throne of grace and boldly ask for the help I need.  Amen.

9 December 2012
But I’ve waited so long, Lord!  Why do I have to wait, wait, wait?  No, sorry, Lord.  I’m being impatient.  I need reminding of who’s boss.  Please, Lord, help me watch alertly till your moment comes.  Amen.

16 December 2012
I could scream, Lord.  I really could.  People are so...!  No, sorry, Lord, I’m forgetting.  They are just as much made in your image as I am.  And please, Lord, help me to see they’re no more sinful than I am.  Amen.

23 December 2012
But Lord, we’ve always done things this way, and you’ve blessed it!  No, sorry, Lord, I’m not looking.  You’re the innovative Creator.  Please, Lord, help me look for your new ways, and encourage others.  Amen.

30 December 2012
I didn’t bargain for this hassle, Lord, when I said I’d follow Jesus!  No, sorry, Lord.  You have so much to sort out in me.  Please, Lord, help me with your programme of training through all circumstances.  Amen.

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