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Being Present & Cherishing Today Amidst Uncertainty

Being Present & Cherishing Today Amidst Uncertainty

Posted by Samantha DePeel

January 26, 2022

No matter what there always seems to be a reason to worry. Every day we wake up to a barrage of news stories and messages from friends conveying very real worries. The question is, how do we push through all of the uncertainty and find peace in the moment? How do we take things day by day and get through a season of hardship, when we'd really like to hit fast forward? It's no easy feat. Of course, the answer is to be found in Jesus, Himself. Jesus was not to be rushed. He led a life of deep, deliberate peace and slowness. He moved peacefully from one event to the next. There were many times where the disciples tried to hurry Him, but it could not be done.

In today's post, we're taking a cue from Jesus of Nazareth and focusing on slowing down and cherishing the moment, even when the world is in chaos. Here are five things we've learned from Jesus about being present.

Busyness Is Not Always Best

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." ~ Luke 10:38-42

In this classic tale from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus visits the home of sisters Mary and Martha. While Martha busied herself with all the preparations and chores to welcome her guest, Mary simply knelt by Jesus and enjoyed His presence. Here, Jesus applauds Mary for listening to Jesus and simply being with Him. This is such a profound passage! How many of us get caught up in the busyness of day-to-day life, only to forget about connecting with the One that really matters? Of course, work in and of itself is a good thing. We're called to do kingdom work in the world and to serve others, but at what cost? The next time you're facing a busy day of work or chores, consider taking a few minutes to reconnect with Jesus. The purpose of our discipleship to Him is to have a relationship with Him, and that means inviting Him into our everyday life. Jesus is in your presence—will you listen to Him? It's time to put aside the distractions and reconnect with our Lord and Savior.

Faith Can Move Mountains

"The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” ~ Luke 8:24-25

Yet another well-known passage, here Jesus is at sea with His disciples when a storm hits. The disciples are afraid, and where is Jesus to be found? He's asleep! It's so shocking to read that Jesus was not worried in the slightest as the boat tossed and turned amongst the waves. When the disciples do wake Him, He calms the storm and replies, "Where is your faith?" This serves as a lesson to us all—as the storm rages, where do we put our attention? Do we wallow in anxiety and allow ourselves to be tossed and turned by the waves? Or do we focus on Jesus and His sovereignty overall? A life of freedom and trust awaits us, but only if we allow ourselves to trust in Him completely. 

Live in the Moment

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Matthew 6:34

We love this verse! It's clear here that Jesus takes things day by day and addresses troubles as they come. There is no anxiety to be found in Him. Of course, this is easier said than done! In today's modern digital age, we're plagued by anxiety constantly. It's so hard to quiet those voices and instead listen to the still small voice of peace. But Jesus has a point here—each day will have enough troubles of its own. Worrying about tomorrow's problems won't help a thing. The question then becomes, what's a better use of our time? The next time we're focusing on an anxious thought, how can we turn down the dial and focus on God's words of truth? Try to invite God into your every moment, summoning His Spirit and peace. Whenever you sense anxiety rising within you, pray right away. There is so much power to be found in prayer and petition to God. 

The Power of Silence & Solitude

"In these days he went into the hills to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God." - Luke 6:12

There are many accounts of Jesus leaving the presence of His disciples and entering into the wilderness to pray. It's something so simple, yet so profound. Even Jesus Himself understood the importance of carving out time in His busy schedule to reconnect with the Father. Not only that, but He deliberately went off somewhere isolated where there were no other distractions. No people, no needs, just Him and the Father together. How often do we make time for God? Or do we plan our days and just expect God to reveal Himself to us? This is a powerful reminder to set aside time specifically for God. While there's no exact formula for this, we suggest doing this in an area with minimal distraction. At the end of the day, this spiritual practice contributed to Jesus being someone of deep peace and intention. Think of how much more peaceful our schedules could be if we made time for Him! 

He Has Overcome the World

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33

Perhaps the greatest call to rest in Jesus comes from the man Himself. Here Jesus assures us that we will face hardships. It's inevitable, but where have we put our hope? Do we put it in the leaders of our day? In those closest to us? In our finances? Ultimately, we will find that peace of mind we're so desperately looking for if we do not put our full hope in Christ Jesus. No matter what happens here on earth, we know that Jesus has overcome the world. We know the end of the story. In Revelation, God lays out His precise plans for all of us and the end of the age. In this way, we don't have to be too shocked and upset by the state of the world we live in now. We know where we're going. We know who our Savior is.

A Token of God's Love

We know how strong the pull can be to worry. Every morning we're faced with dozens of distractions vying for our attention. We're reminded here of a quote from theologian C.S. Lewis. In his book Mere Christianity he says, "It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind." From the moment we wake, we're bombarded with distractions from every which way. The key here is to tune into Jesus' voice and let Him lead our day. Looking for other reminders to slow down and be more intentional? Shop our selection of our Christian apparel, with collections featuring some of your favorite verses and imagery. 

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