Essentials Only

It has been an interesting exercise over these last few weeks exploring different aspects of our discipleship journey and reflecting on where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are aiming to get to if we want our lives to reflect Jesus.

I have been challenged personally to look at what I need to pare away; or, to use the image that came to mind, what do I need to leave out of my backpack so I can get over the ridge line and to the next hut without being too weighed down to make it?

I’ve been encouraged to return to some of the spiritual disciplines I’ve tried in years past, as well as give some new ones a go. Working hand-in-hand, aligned with the Spirit to continue the journey I’m on.

I’ve had the chance to reflect on my great love of Scripture and thank God for the incredible gift we’ve been given, while also being challenged once again to read it carefully.
And this last week, I’ve been pondering the prayer of lament.

There have been times in my life when the circumstances of those around me have almost broken me and I’ve felt the burden too heavy to carry. Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking about how trying to “do the good that is ours to do” naturally connects with the burden of lament. When God turns our eyes towards the brokenness on our periphery, we feel its weight.

But we also need to remember that the burden of the world isn’t ours to carry– that belongs to our High Priest. Jesus has already paid the price and is constantly interceding for us. And because we know that, we can step into lament without being broken by it.

What are the questions and habits the Spirit has been prompting you to reflect on?

Colleen