Image source: Missionary Help
This week's posts are based on Jesus' words of Luke 21:34-35, taken from the Literal Translation, with the original Greek amplified:
"But take heed [pay attention; as a nautical term, to hold a ship in a direction, to sail towards] to yourselves that your hearts not be loaded down [heavily burdened, oppressed, dull, stupid] with headaches [hangover; disgust following intemperance], and drinking [intoxication], and anxieties [distraction; see below] of life, and that day [Isaiah 24:17] come suddenly upon you as a snare [spring on you like a trap], for it will come in on all those sitting on the face of all the earth."
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Anxiety, worry, fear, solicitude, concern, cares—there are a number of ways to translate the the Greek word merimna in the above passage. From a root word meaning "division," merimna captures the idea "division of mind."
This is what soul cares or anxiety does—it cuts our mind into portions. Bad enough that we lose a sizable measure of brain and heart power which apportions itself to fruitless worry and fear. But the brain and heart capability left behind to face a challenge may struggle to operate effectively without doing more damage to the situation. Like the motor or electrical component which strains to function under brownout conditions until it burns out, it might be better to just shut down and wait until adequate power is available.
And [Jesus] said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
~ Mark 6:31 (NKJV)
It's often difficult to simply rest and wait, even under duress. There's too much to be done. We have commitments.
But if too many thoughts are coming and going, and they are bringing anxiety, it really is time to drop out of the action in order to feed on the bread of God's Word and drink from the living waters of God's Spirit. Truth supplies power to heart and mind when it restores unity with with the heart and mind of our Father.
From experience, I know the reality of life doesn't always allow a physical time-out from commitments. I also know that there are times when activity can function on autopilot while mind and heart seek the Lord.
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Monday: Soul Hangover
Yesterday: Soul Intoxication
Tomorrow's Conclusion: Riding out a Storm
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Copyright 2010, 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
I am loving this series of messages so much. Thanks for your ministry.
ReplyDeleteMy purpose is often 'divided' between the cares of this world and the hope of glory. All of my days are spend in reconciling the two, so i'm not distracted
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't FB, but I "like" this!
ReplyDeleteOdie ~
ReplyDeleteThank you. The ministry belongs to my Lord, and I'm grateful that He gives me a place in it. : )
Mary ~
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't in person, but I LOVE you! xxoo
David ~
ReplyDeleteIt occurs to me that maybe we don't have to be divided, if we can but see the cares of this world, which are genuine necessities of life (job, other work, etc.), as an extension of our hope of glory. We do operate in a kingdom which rewards us for works. This world may be temporary, but what we do with it will last forever. As I see it, the two are inextricably connected.