Renewing our Minds

Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will.

Isaiah 50: 4b

The season of autumn is typically one of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Children going to school for the first time; many advancing from primary to secondary school;
first-year university students looking forward to beginning their programme of study.
Autumn is a time of change and then settling in to a familiar routine.
Nature also changes: summer flowers give way to the glorious colours of brown, orange, red and gold in shrubbery and trees;
and days begin to shorten.
This year, our lives were unpredictable in summer,
due to the presence of the corona virus which caused thousands of deaths, pain, suffering, and anxiety in many aspects of life.
We are fearful that in autumn there will be more uncertainty and maybe an even greater threat from the virus.

How can we as Christians keep faith, in fact deepen our faith through these troubling times?
Michael Youssef is offering some practical tips to help us spend time with the Lord and be alert to His call.

• GET QUIET; BE STILL. In order to help you plan a new routine for this unusual season, one that keeps you awake to the Lord, start by taking some time in your day (even 3–5 minutes) to be quiet and still before God. Carve out some time to commune with God. Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, had nineteen children. She developed an understanding within her family that when her apron was over her head, she was not to be disturbed. Here she had fellowship with the Lord in order to gain strength and faith for her day. Let us put the phone away, fold our hands, and listen for God’s will for us, saying, HEAR I AM LORD.
• CHEW ON GOD’S WORD. So many of us neglect to go to the Word of God each day, for the renewing of our minds – or we overwhelm ourselves with Scripture-reading goals that are simply too much, and we burn out. How about focusing on a few verses each day – reading them, chewing on them, applying them? God has much to say even in just a small bit of His Word – and that Word has transformational power. So spend time each day allowing God’s Word to dwell in you richly. Read your Bible, even if it’s just a little at a time, and meditate on its message. He wants you to be with Him and be like Him. GOD LOVES YOU.
• FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD IN NATURE. Life was extremely difficult when we were in total lockdown. The lovely sunny weeks which we had in summer were a wonderful blessing, especially when we were allowed to get out into Nature. We were conscious of God’s constancy and presence, despite all that was happening around us. Let us continue to enjoy the wonders of Creation, engage our childlike curiosity and fellowship with God. Open up a dialogue with God and enjoy the beauty of the world He has given us, enjoy the blessings of Talk with God about what matters to you, and allow him to re-align your heart and your priorities with His. LISTEN TO HIS MESSAGES.
• WORSHIP GOD IN THE MUNDANE. There is always cleaning, organising, washing, cooking shopping to be done. These are times when you can meet with God. Instead of allowing frustration and exhaustion to take over, reflect and praise God as you serve others and care for your home. Carry out your tasks as unto the Lord. Sometimes instead of becoming overwhelmed like Martha (Luke 10: 38–42), we need to step away from our chores for even a minute to be still and talk with God. WORSHIP AND DELIGHT IN GOD.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, in this autumn season we do not know what to expect but you know what is ahead of us.
You have said that you will never leave us or forsake us.
Help us to spend time in your presence to talk with you, and to take time to listen to you.
Help us to seek your guidance through your Holy Spirit as we approach each day.
Help us to live a decluttered life, to develop a routine which will put you on the throne of our lives.

Amen

I have set the Lord always before me,
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalm 16: 8 NIV

Now with the newborn day I give
myself anew to thee,
that as thou willest I may live,
and what thou willest be.

Whate’er I do things great or small,
whate’er I speak or frame,
Thy glory may I seek in all,
Do all in Jesus’ name.

Henry William Baker (1821–1877)

Glynne Gordon-Carter