A demanding job. Needs of the children (or grandchildren). Health challenges. Financial commitments. You may add another one or two! It’s called life. We realise our limitations when things get overwhelming. So the rise and popularity of meditation techniques such as Mindfulness is certainly understandable and seen as necessary to tune out of the pressures we face. Yet can we find the fulfillment we really need?
One can learn ways to zone out of a tense staff meeting, or cope with a piled up work tray or other life challenges. Yet we still have to face life, there’s no getting around that one. So, which spiritual technique or tool may be best? I propose there is a truly essential type of Mindfulness we need.
You will keep in perfect peace
Isaiah 26:3-4, the Bible
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.
The writer of these words, an ancient prophet of God, had gained the understanding that a ‘steadfast’ mind is needed, and it is gained through trusting in the Source of life. Not trusting in self. Not trusting in our own ability to control our thought processes. Life does not go smoothly because we are not perfect creatures and our world is in crisis. We get impatient, or frustrated, or angry, or anxious… add your own to the list. So let’s consider what I am calling The Essential Mindfulness…
*Chrissy was overwhelmed. She could barely pray. Life was feeling like taking two steps forward, then one step back… every time. There were forces beyond her control coming at her from several directions. Yes Chrissy knew that there was a key to the victory needed. Chrissy asked those close to her to make their appeals to the God of heaven, the Creator and Sustainer. When she struggled to pray because she was trying to hold the fort on various fronts and feeling mentally exhausted, others close to her could pray on her behalf. They could seek and trust God on her behalf. The answers to pray began to unfold, because the Maker of the universe was listening to the prayers of faith, and was going to intervene. Those who trusted in this all-powerful One were praying with steadfast minds, and perfect peace was restored. Chrissy found a way to rest in her Maker again, and her steadfast mind was restored because she trusted in Him. The essential mindfulness is a mind that knows the living God our Maker is with us and for us. So how can we all get this kind of awareness and assurance?
Seek the LORD while He may be found;
Isaiah 55:6, the Bible
call upon Him while he is near;
The LORD – the great and awesome Creator, wants to be found, known, trusted in, rested in. This all-powerful transcendent One stepped into this world – Jesus the Messiah. He transforms us, renews us, forgives us, restores us, heals us, loves us. He is not subject to our own imaginations but is bigger and wider and deeper than that. Whoever we are, whatever our struggles and shortcomings (we all have them), we can come by simple faith to the infinite, holy Creator who is love, life and truth. We can find The Essential Mindfulness in Christ Jesus.
Find out more here: knowing God personally
The Jesus Experience 