So, I went for an early morning run the other dayĀ (6:30am #justsaying). It was my first run in months and not long into it, I stopped. Not because of my unbelievableĀ lack of fitness at the timeĀ or even dueĀ toĀ another unexpected injury.Ā It was, in fact,Ā to soak upĀ the amazing sound of silenceĀ –Ā pure, unbridled, silence. Peace! The only thingĀ I could hear were birds singing sweetly in the background. Add to this the sound of busy little creatures that buzzed and hovered over the long dewy grass, and this made waking up so early so worthwhile. As I paused, stretched and took in this beautiful scene,Ā I was reminded of a promise in the bible that God makesĀ to look after all his creatures, not just the birds and the bees, but also you and me.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store awayĀ in barns,Ā and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
(Matthew 6:26)
This verse got me thinking about the things thatĀ I worry about everyday, such as money, food, job security, impressing friends, etc. I was reminded in this moment of how trivial and short sighted these worriesĀ are in the big picture of life. God promises toĀ provide our every need (Philippians 4:19). He may not give us what we want, but he will give us what we need. ThisĀ life is short and fragile,Ā like a drop in theĀ vast ocean, and in some things weĀ have little control. Money, success andĀ aĀ good name can only bring us passing happiness. Once we have it, weĀ only want more and are never satisfied. Think for a moment of the countless celebrities and famous people who in the eyes of the world have “made it” but in and of themselves they are not satisfied?Ā The bible speaks of laying our treasures in heaven, where thieves won’t break in orĀ steal; a place which does not perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:4).
“Where our treasure is, there ourĀ hearts will be also”
(Matthew 6:21)
I do hope that these simpleĀ thoughts challengeĀ you toĀ think about where you are investing your treasures and placing your confidence for the future. Whether its in a good pension scheme, physical/material things, good looks, friends or even family, non of these things go with us when we die. I would personally recommend Jesus, or at least a thorough investigationĀ of his claims in the bibleĀ to be theĀ Son of GodĀ (I’d recommend Luke andĀ John’s gospels to begin). I’ve heard it said before that JesusĀ could only be one of three things, 1. Lunatic 2. Liar 3. The Son of God.Ā What do you have to lose from investigating?
Happy reading..
Peace š
Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life and have itĀ to the full.”
(John 10:10)
P.s.Ā As for my run, well, let’s just say thatĀ didn’t last long once I paused.Ā I have run twice since then and goneĀ a couple ofĀ miles each time without stopping (which I was chuffed about). So thereĀ is promise there. Perseverance is theĀ lessonĀ I’m learning through this.
