The Internal Peace Treaty

Many people feel that the Christian worldview undermines our ability to do anything, that it weakens us and portrays humans as incapable. That all the talk about ‘depending on God’ and ‘acknowledging God’s role’ is demeaning in some way.

Marriage has taught me a lot about my relationship with God. When Ken and I first started on our marriage journey there were countless things that frustrated me about him (sorry babe). I was so used to functioning as a single person and the circumstances I was comfortable with, that if things didn’t match up to what I was used to, it would cause tension. As the years drew on I adjusted my internal compass so that I became more comfortable with what was best for both of us, not just me.

When you become a Christian, the same kind of process begins to unfold between you and God. There are internal ‘peace treaties’ being made each day as you adjust to bring about the best in and for both of you. The incredible thing about a relationship with the Creator of the Universe is that He already knows you so deeply and intimately - He knows exactly what adjustments will bring about the best outcome in and for you. And He already loves you perfectly.

It doesn’t feel comfortable sometimes because we do not love perfectly. In fact, it can feel like we’re going out to a battle of the wills - similar to a marriage! A great phrase I’ve heard many times is to “choose your battles”. In time, the unfought battles either decrease in importance or you’re more prepared to handle them well. These peace treaties allow us to bring two (strong and capable) armies together to fight everything else united as one.

Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:31-33 NKJV

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When You've Lost Your Mind

Since recovering from an anxiety disorder I have thought a lot about how I ended up in that place and how to avoid experiencing that again. There’s probably 3 things I’ve adjusted in my life that give me the confidence that I wont...

I know what I have control over and what I do not. I used to believe I had a lot more influence over people. That if someone was in a difficult situation I could do or say something that would pull them out of it. The emphasis being on “I”. Obviously a lot of our words/actions impact other people but there’s so much more going on below the surface of people’s thoughts that’s usually incomprehensible. Not ‘crazy’ but ‘different’ to what we assume. Lol. I can probably count on one hand how many times something I’ve done or said has actually changed anyone’s original course of action. And those times most definitely came out of listening to God and just confirming something He’d already told them.

I know what I can handle and what I cannot. I used to believe I had a lot more tolerance and the ability to handle more stress than I do. I used to think that if I noticed something that needed attention it was up to me to do something. Inevitably I would stretch my resources - time, finance, emotions - between multiple situations and people, only to disappoint them all in some shape or form. Yes, all of them. Again, I’ve discovered that as I spend time listening to God and getting a clear sense of what He’s shaped me to put my resources into, moment by moment, those people and situations have gained so much more than ever before.

I know that I need to laugh and I need to breathe. Sounds obvious? I kid you not - the way I used to function was the opposite. When my heart started beating faster and my mind started racing, I responded with action - go, go, go! These days I am far more active when I’ve had a good laugh and am feeling at peace. When I’m experiencing depression, anger, fear, and a sense of being out-of-control, I've found the opposite comes straight from the Holy Spirit. Rather than take action in those moments, I know I need to stop and tap into Him. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control...all the good stuff…

Less of me and more of Him feels so much better than losing my mind. Believe me, I’ve been there.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23 NASB

Clearing the haze around Discipleship

I’ve lost count of how many conversations I’ve had with people about what discipleship is. Some people actually seem scared of the word. It’s like they feel that if they start opening up to people about their journey with Jesus they will suddenly have to do and say things that they don’t want to. If you have had an experience where you have felt yourself being controlled while talking with another person, then I’m so sorry to hear that - that’s not the purpose of discipleship at all.

Discipleship is leading people to have their own relationship with Jesus where they can hear Him more and more clearly for themselves. Other people, who have journeyed with Jesus in areas before you, are involved in order to be a sounding board and a temperature gauge for those times when there are conflicting voices coming at you. I’ve learnt that having people around that I trust to propel me closer to Jesus has always turned out for the better!

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

Flame in the Snow

I remember a period in my life when I literally survived only by reading the Bible. I was experiencing intense panic attacks and depression that left me incapacitated. When you’ve got small kids that need your attention and you keep finding yourself paralysed and unable to think straight, that’s a serious problem.

During that time I discovered what it really means when we say “Jesus is enough”. I discovered that when my thoughts started spinning out of control, my heart beat faster and my hands began shaking, reaching out to my Bible was my number 1 solution. I’d open it’s pages and read something...anything...and I would be reminded of my Creator, of His power and protection, of my Saviour and His love and understanding, and the Holy Spirit’s peace would flood over me like the warmth of a flame in the midst of a snowstorm.

I studied a Bachelor of psychology and I’ve kept up with the latest self-help trends but I can tell you beyond a doubt, there is no system of philosophy out there that can radically change your life like the Bible. Not even close.

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:103 NKJV

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Psalm 84:1-2 NIV