Listen:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)
Reflect:
Over the past couple of years, I’ve become more aware of the importance of approaching life holistically. So often we focus on developing different areas of our lives, spiritual, physical, mental, as though they were independent. Whilst doing the Lifesprings School of Ministry in Lyon over the past two years, this approach has helped me see God in all areas of life.
Whilst meditating in the mornings over the past month, I’ve focused on the tree outside my window. God’s creation in all its beauty — like me, like you — some days the wind blows through the leaves, creating a chain reaction of movement, a dance in the air and I think of the breath of the Spirit. Some days it is still and I think of my heart being still and waiting on God. Some days it is raining and the refreshing drops of water are falling on the leaves and glistening in the light, restoring and life giving. Soon, autumn will come and the leaves will change colour, dry and fall to the ground. Another beautiful season of life, that reminds me of God’s constant presence throughout. He is like the sturdy tree trunk, solid, unchanging, ever present. As we live through the different seasons, challenges, joys of our life, His Spirit draws us closer to him if we focus on Him.
If I want to seek God with all my heart, I want to see Him in all my life, in my surroundings, in my relationships and in my daily life. When doing exercise, I’m reminded that His breath enables me to move. When I’m lying on my bed, His Spirit brings me peace and rest. He can help me capture my thoughts and speak words that edify.
A friend currently going through a cancer diagnosis and waiting for the next step told me life has suddenly become brighter. She’s not a believer, but what a life lesson it is to hear this. Suddenly, the focus of her heart has changed and she is grateful for everything around her. It made me very aware of how ungrateful I can be about things that are not important. As believers, this heightened awareness of the beauty of life is given to us as we seek God with all our heart. I find it a challenge, with the distractions of modern living all around, but it’s possible if I settle and walk in step with the Spirit, knowing that God’s mercies are new every morning.
Questions to Ponder:
1. What distractions have become obstacles to seeking God with all your heart?
2. What helps you close out the distractions of daily living and focus on God? Is it being in a room with the door closed, is it looking at nature, or listening to music, or moving your body?
Prayer of Response:
Holy Spirit, fill me anew today, transform me by the renewal of my mind, that I may draw closer to my Father in heaven, and see You in all areas of my life here on earth. Amen
—Submitted by Lis Ho
A recent empty-nester asking God questions about what the future looks like. A member of Trinity Church, Lyon with a passion for prayer ministry and seeing women develop their God given gifts. Currently helping to prepare the ‘final’ day of Lyon’s Lifespring School of Ministry in Lyon on 25 November 2023.
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