Picked up a short booklet last night from CCEF (Christian Counseling Education Foundation) amongst a stack of these booklets our church ordered related to different counseling issues that come up in pastoral counseling situations.
This particular booklet was about stress (something pastors never deal with :)). It went through Psalm 131 as a passage that helps us quiet the inner noise that stresses us out without trying to numb the noise. Quieting vs. numbing. There is noise in life and we either avoid and/or numb (busyness, tv, addiction, drinking, etc...) or we can have a righteous peace in the midst of the noise.
As you might expect stress is a result of our prideful wills trying to control life and relationships in the direction we want them to go. When the house of cards collapses it causes stress and a renewed vigor to control it better next time. Our control is folly and trusting in Christ who rules and reigns is wisdom. It is a heart issue of who we will trust to guide us.
The Psalmist here (David) says that the way to peace in Jesus is to repent of pride, don't look down on others, and...check this out...don't go after things too great and too difficult for you and me.
This last one deserves a little bit of contemplation. What are you going after that is too great and difficult for you? What in the world does that last phrase mean? Give me your best insight...
No comments:
Post a Comment