Holy Spirit – Page 9 – The Will to Wake Up

Created for Rest

We were created for rest. How can we live that out in our busy lives?

I’ll never forget the time one of my friends shared the insight that we were not created to work hard enough to deserve rest, but to participate in rest itself.

Rest doesn’t mean laying around all day being lazy. It means embracing each season without racing ahead. It means taking the time to be still with Jesus each day. It means doing things that fill your soul and bring you joy. It means setting boundaries, even when others don’t understand.

In our bustling society, rest is often considered luxurious. Rarely do we think of not resting as a sin. However, the author of Hebrews counteracts this popular belief:

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
Hebrews 4:1

In fact, by resting, we proclaim the good news of Jesus.

That may seem confusing, but hear me out. When we rest, we:

Admit that we can’t do everything on our own strength
Trust that God will fill in the gaps that we miss during our breaks
Abide in the peace that only God can bring
Show ourselves love by recognizing and taking care of our needs
Love others better because we feel restored ourselves

Last weekend, I went on a retreat for the first time in four years. I certainly underestimated all that God would do during a simple less-than-48-hour period of intentional listening and community and rest.

To be honest, I hardly slept on the well-worn mattress in a lodge shared with spiders. Rest didn’t take the form of sleep during this retreat. But by spending time with God and close friends, I was able to experience peace and remember what joy feels like. Going back into a tough week, I felt strengthened and approached my relationships with grace rather than the impatience that comes from burn-out.

When sharing about my retreat with one of my friends (the same one I quoted earlier, isn’t she brilliant? 😉 ), she remarked, “Isn’t it amazing all God can do when we give Him a weekend?”

Rest allows us to focus on what God is doing in our lives. When we are rushing through our tasks, falling asleep before we can say “amen”, we lose sight of the wonder of our God.

You may not have time to go on a retreat; clearly it took me four years to make space for one. However, there are ways to incorporate rest in your daily routine. Even just setting aside 10-20 minutes at the beginning and end of each day to reflect and spend time with God, or saving an hour each weekend to do what brings you joy may help you feel more refreshed and eager to pursue your faith.

Rest is a free gift from God. Let’s accept it together, shall we?

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Why are You in Ministry?

Reflections on participating in ministry.

We are all in ministry.

Yes, even you, even in an office or a classroom or at home. In fact, it often takes different forms over the course of your life. Sometimes it means serving in Sunday school, other times it means caring for a unbelieving family member.

Ministry is often defined in religious settings as working towards bringing people to God and discipling them with God’s love. Everyone, whether people who have grown up in faith or haven’t heard a single word from the Bible, needs to experience God’s ministry.

Here is one definition of ministry: “A person or thing through which something is accomplished” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Another word for this is instrumentality, which means the state of being a crucial tool.

In some ways, I like this definition because it reminds us of our purpose as God’s creation to spread the good news of Jesus’ love and sacrifice to others so that their lives can be transformed. However, when we begin to view our ministry as a thing that needs to be accomplished, we lose sight of what really matters.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a very insightful pastor who shared about a discussion he was having with other sermon-writers about balancing the need to create sermons that both serve the congregation and also allow for the pastors themselves to explore where God’s Spirit is leading and teaching them individually.

While it may seem like a pastor’s main job is to serve the congregation, how much richer would sermons be if pastors wrote them from a place of curiosity and readiness to grow closer to God in their own spiritual journeys?

Though you may not be writing a sermon anytime soon, I believe this approach to ministry is crucial no matter where we serve. Most of my ministry is in the form of creating and teaching lessons for kids. Recently, I’ve found myself overly focused on creating a fun and memorable experience for the kids rather than trying to hear what God is teaching me through these lessons.

This past year has been a season of stepping back and reevaluating why I’m in ministry. Is it to fulfill a hole in my life? Is it to feel needed? Is it because I love God and His people? Is it because I am called?

And what happens when a calling shifts? Does that mean I have to move even if good work is being done?

Last fall, I had been wrestling over whether or not to leave a ministry position at the end of my term, particularly because it had felt like my calling for a period of time and I hadn’t experienced a clear new calling yet. After several events and encounters led me to conclude that it was time to step aside and make room for a new leader, I still had lingering questions in the back of my mind: Am I really supposed to leave? How can I know for sure?

Then it hit me this week, as I’m winding down my time in this position, one question I hadn’t asked myself until now: Is my participation in this ministry bringing me closer to God or hurting my relationship with Him?

Truthfully, while I believe other parts of my life are drawing me closer to God, my recent experiences in this role have not been beneficial to my spiritual wellbeing. They have caused me to get caught up in the “doing” rather than the “being” of relationship with God and others.

I think it’s important for everyone in ministry to periodically reevaluate why they are in ministry. If this is the place where you are at right now, I’m inviting you to ask yourself these questions as honestly as you can:

What originally drew me to this ministry? Do those factors still apply? Have new factors arisen?
How do I feel after participating in this ministry?
Do I still sense a calling from God to stay in this ministry?
Are there other ministries that I am more drawn to?
Is my participation in this ministry bringing me closer to God or hurting my relationship with Him (and others)?

These aren’t questions for the faint of heart, and I pray that you are presented with answers that bring you clarity and peace. God is working in you wherever you are, and nothing you can do will change that.

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God.
2 Corinthians 3:2-4

Stay Curious

Encouragement for your prayer life.

I’ll be honest: it can be difficult having a conversation with someone who doesn’t usually speak audibly or show facial expressions.

Has this ever happened to you? You’re bowing your head in prayer, and suddenly something out your window catches your eye. Or you begin asking God to help someone in your life, and then your mind begins to wander. How is that person? Did they seem upset the last time you met? What are they doing right now? Probably something more interesting than this.

When I’ve been under the wrong notion of what prayer should be, prayer has caused me a lot of unnecessary guilt. Does my distractedness show God disrespect? Am I lacking in faith when I struggle in prayer?

Thankfully, God is a God of endless grace.

Prayer feels restrictive when we are given a template of how to pray and what not to say. Though we are told time and again that prayer needs to be a conversation, how can we really converse with God?

The other day, I was going through my usual style of prayer when I froze, on the cusp of losing my attention, and asked God a question.

Nothing profound, just a simple question. But that one question led to another and another. I didn’t get any answers to those questions (yet), but I did receive another revelation: God welcomes our curiosity.

It may feel silly asking God questions when we know we likely aren’t going to hear back right away. But asking questions assumes a sense of vulnerability. We admit that we don’t know everything, but God does.

Often people asked God questions in the Bible. The disciples asked Jesus to explain His parables. Many psalmists asked God deep questions about the state of their own existence. Even Jesus, when on the cross, calls out to God with a question.

When we stay curious in our faith, we won’t grow bored with it. Instead, we will grow a new level of comfort with God as we embrace the things we do not know.

And when we approach life with curiosity, we will start to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, notice the outsiders who are overlooked, and discover ways systems could be improved for the betterment of society.

What is your soul asking God today?

It could simply be “why” or “how” or perhaps something more complex. God is listening to all of it and even if you never find out the exact answer, God is the giver of peace.

How long, Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?
³Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?

[The Lord’s Answer:]

Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.
Habakkuk 1:1-3, 5

Speak What You Need to Hear

Reflecting on the words that make a difference during painful seasons of life.

Most of us have been through (or are currently going through) a time in life of doubting our self-worth, questioning whether we belong, and wondering if we even have a purpose. Whether through ongoing mental health difficulties or external circumstances, dealing with the heaviness of isolation and hopelessness can cause us to spiral into doubt over whether or not anyone–even God–cares.

What words would’ve comforted or reassured you during that season?

Perhaps:

You are loved no matter what.

You are wanted here.

You matter to me.

You belong just as you are.

God’s grace is sufficient for you and made perfect in every weakness.

You have a purpose, even if you can’t see it yet.

Keep extending this list, contemplating what would’ve soothed your soul during troubling times.

When we are in seasons like this, it can be easy to believe the lie that we are the only ones who feel this way. No one knows how I feel. No one has been where I’m standing right now.

And while each journey is individual and personal, we share common experiences as human beings. In fact, that’s what connects us to one another and allows for empathy.

When we are in lighter seasons, we may forget that there are those struggling, unable to put out their best selves right now. We may be hurt by unreciprocated generosity or unanswered texts and calls.

During these times, it is important to journey back to the messages we would’ve benefitted from hearing during our times of weariness and despair. It will likely feel vulnerable to repeat these mantras of truth and grace to someone else, not knowing how they will be received.

It’s true: you might be laughed at or responded to with silence. But even with those reactions, or ones that feel sincere and heartfelt, these words will make a difference.

We often respond with laughter or skepticism when we are uncomfortable. We often respond with silence when we are scared. Sometimes receiving loving truths is uncomfortable and frightening, yet it is also vital to our journey toward healing.

Today, think of a person in your life who may need to experience God’s truth of their worth through you. Then speak these words in a way that allows them to experience grace and compassion. Whether you ever feel appreciated afterwards or not, it will make an incredible impact on someone else’s life. ❤

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
Ephesians 4:15

The Quiet Voice

Listening to God through the still moments of the day.

It is often easiest to listen to the loudest voice in the room. The attention grabber, the leader, the one setting all the expectations. But what if the leader’s voice is quiet, barely above a whisper, the tugging on one’s heart?

You likely know which leader I am referring to, especially if I were to go one step further and describe this leader’s voice as a still, small whisper in the wind. That’s right, I’m referring to God, our ultimate guide.

I’ve often come to notice that the moments I most regret are those when I fail to listen to the quiet voice inside me–the Holy Spirit–who is otherwise referred to as our Helper. It is true; the Holy Spirit is the power within us that connects us to God and helps us know what choices God would want us to make.

While God certainly can speak in loud, attention-grabbing ways, I think it’s quite fitting that He often speaks softly. I picture God as the type of teacher to patiently wait for the noisy class to settle down on their own rather than yell above them in a desperate attempt to rally them up again.

God is not desperate. God is all-powerful and relational. Most of all, He wants us to freely choose to grow more like Him.

In the end, God can save the world without our help. But God desires for us to follow Him and live into our purposes. He wants to use us in the beautiful ways we were created for.

Today, take a moment to be still. No distractions, not even music or the ticking of a clock. It’s even better if you find yourself alone in nature. Gently ask yourself, what is God telling you today? Is He saying “wait” or “move forward”? Is He calling you to reach out to a specific person or spend your time in another way?

Or maybe He’s simply guiding you toward rest, allowing you an opportunity to soak in the peace only He provides.

Whatever it is, take His words to heart and let them flow through you today.

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹²And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. ¹³When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1 Kings 19:11-13

His Spirit made the heavens beautiful,
    and his power pierced the gliding serpent.
¹⁴These are just the beginning of all that he does,
    merely a whisper of his power.
    Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?”
Job 26:13-14

When the Light Burns Low

Encouragement to not lose hope when others discourage your joy.

Last week, one of the most inspirational artists I follow on Instagram revealed that she had received some negative reviews of her new book. Even though she also got many wonderful reviews and positive comments, the heaviness of the discouragement she must have felt really burdened me. For me, this book was a source of encouragement and hope; I just couldn’t understand why anyone would see it otherwise.

If you tend to be an optimistic person, especially one who strives to encourage others, I’m sure you’ve been met with both gratitude and discouragement. Unfortunately, living in a broken world means there will always be at least one person who doesn’t appreciate the light within you.

But does that mean we should give up? Absolutely not.

Of course, easier said than done, right?

When the follower count goes down or friends neglect to notice our efforts or family doesn’t appreciate our gifts, we just want to bury ourselves in a hole and let the light burn out.

If this light were created by us, then perhaps it could be extinguished that quickly. But when we look to Jesus as our Light, we will be able to rise up and remember that there are people who need to see Jesus’ light within us.

For that one person who doesn’t appreciate you, there will be many more who need that smile or affirmation or act of kindness. Perhaps it will change their life forever…or at least their mood that day.

Think back to a time when you witnessed hope. Did your thinking patterns shift, even slightly, after that? Were you more aware of simple blessings or moments to be grateful?

We need you. I’m sorry if anyone has told you or treated you otherwise. By being God’s creation, you are set apart for an incredible purpose. You are filled with the hope that there is more to come. For those struggling to understand their worth, the world is telling them that they are just a replaceable, useless burden. But with Jesus’ light within you, you can show them that they are worthy, beautiful, and loved.

Or perhaps you are the person struggling to see the light again. You are just as worthy and loved and valued as the ones you help.

When you feel your light burning low, reach out to the source of light and ask Him to refill you with His joyful Spirit.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12

I Know You Will

Remembering God’s faithfulness through poetry.

A poem in honor of God’s faithfulness this Lenten season.

I Know you will

The shadow cast upon this night

Makes it hard to see the light.

Wondering, aching, hoping, waiting

The questions keep on coming:

Will you still love me even when I stumble and I fall?

Will you still love me even when I ignore your call?

Will you still love me even when I follow the crowd?

Will you still love me even when I cry so loud?

Will you still love me even when I make the wrong choice?

Will you still love me even when I can’t seem to find my voice?

Will you still love me even when I am ignored and alone?

Will you still love me even when I stray far from home?

Yes you will.

I know you will.

It’s in your will.

Speaking from the Soul

What does your soul want to say to God today?

As we approach Lent next week, I was reading Psalm 103 with the other staff members at my church, particularly focusing on what our souls might be saying to God in this season. Through that process emerged a poem, which I hope inspires you today.

To God at Lent

By Hannah Chung

You created the world so beautiful

Rushing waters and still sunsets

Dancing leaves, so colorful.

In the wind, through the trees,

In a hug, a hold, a smile,

You remember the least of these.

My soul is eager to obey

Your simple call

That whispers its way

Into my heart.

My soul knows what my mind does not

It remembers all the times

You’ve been there for me when I could not

Hold on without You.

But bodies break

While minds ache.

Tragedy falls

While emptiness calls.

Haunting darkness floods

Our veins

Tempting us to forget

Your faithful ways.

Your voice is gentle

Your voice is firm

Your voice is patient

More than we deserve.

Your voice soothes my soul

When I need the strength of eagles.

Help my soul’s memory

Flow through my body.

Allow the trust my soul desires

To transform me.

While You left in physical form

Your promise to never leave us

Is what keeps me warm.

When the cold and the frightened cramp me in,

Still Your love will break me free from within.

My soul, it knows You

More than I ever can

Here on earth.

And I thank You for the peace

That comes from the mystery

Of the life blossoming

In this redeemed soul.

Today, ask yourself what your soul might be saying to God. Perhaps it’s a praise for the ways He has shown you faithfulness this year. Maybe you are seeking answers or peace after a storm shook your world. Whatever it is, God wants to hear from you. So reach out to Him today and let His peace fill you. ❤

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
²Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5

It Won’t Be Like This Forever

Encouragement to step outside of life’s current demands.

Today’s been one of those reflective sort of days. I was cleaning out an old drawer and found a plethora of old cards, drawings, and remnants from the past, including an SD card from my very first camera.

Scrolling through the blurry pictures, I had to laugh. I couldn’t even imagine what Little Hannah would think of the photos I take now. Not an incomprehensible blur of color? Woah!

Whether life is going well, going horribly, or feeling pretty mundane, it’s easy to get bogged down by life’s current demands. It may feel like you’ll never have the answer, relationship, opportunity or growth you desire.

But I promise, for better or for worse, this isn’t how life will be forever.

So how can we make the most of the season we’re in? Here are a few tips based on the kind of season you are in:

Joyful/Exciting

I’m so glad that this season is going well for you. Perhaps you are experiencing new life, fresh perspective, or the opportunity you’ve always imagined. Take a moment to slow down and celebrate this time. Journal about it, capture the memories, and save them for a time when life may not feel as grand. This will give you hope for the future.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4-5

Difficult

I’m so sorry that you are experiencing a form of pain or discomfort. You may be struggling to get up each morning, wondering the purpose of this trial. While you may not have the energy or motivation you used to, this time will not last forever. God loves you so much, and as you trust Him with all aspects of your life, you will begin to feel your strength again.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Boring/Waiting

Stuck in a rut? Did you know that some of the most creative and innovative projects have come out of a person’s boredom? If you have extra time on your hands, don’t waste it! Spend time with others, invest in those who may not be having the easiest time right now, and prepare yourself for the busier road ahead. God will use the waiting as long as you are willing to follow His lead.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

Restful

Ah, the restful season. Take a deep breath, pour yourself into your passions, and thank God for this gift. Don’t fret over the next activity to partake in–rather, enjoy this season of slowness and refresh yourself with this opportunity. Take time to grow in your faith and make intentional effort to establish healthy habits now so that they will be there for you when harder times come.

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:3

Unsure

Perhaps you are unsure what kind of season you are experiencing. You may be in between stages of life and that can be overwhelming. But don’t worry–God has an incredible plan for you.

Cherish the moments of joy, glimpses of hope, and the presence of faithfulness in this time as you rely on God and His promises for you.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:16

Friendship Matters

Reflecting on the gift of connection.

Have you ever tried to do something alone that you’ve always done with a friend?

For me, that’s currently exercising. The healthiest I’ve ever been was when I would walk and play tennis with one of my closest friends who used to live down the street. It was more than just getting some fresh air–we would laugh and the time would fly by.

But years later, it’s so much harder to find the motivation to do what used to feel simple. We would walk for miles before forcing ourselves to get other things done. Alone, it’s hard to go even half that distance without getting bored.

Most things in life are more fun with a friend, especially one who inspires, encourages, and pushes you to be the best version of yourself.

Sometimes, as Christians, we get so focused on having a relationship with God that we forget part of that involves community with others. Jesus didn’t do His ministry alone–He chose to have disciples alongside Him. There are so many incredible stories of friendship, loyalty, and endurance in the Bible, such as:

Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 20)

Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1)

Elisha and Elijah (2 Kings 2)

Mary, Martha, and Jesus (Luke 10; John 11)

Paul and Silas (Acts 16)

And so many others!

When we have been let down or excluded by other believers, it’s easy to give up on reaching out for connection. But it’s still vital to our personal and spiritual growth. We were made for community–from the very beginning, God recognized that Adam was not good alone; he needed a friend (Genesis 2:18).

Even though it may be scary or humbling to seek friendship, I encourage you to take a step towards building a connection this week. Chances are, you aren’t the only one longing for a kind and encouraging companion.

It’s incredible all that God can do when we work together. Just think, you can be part of that amazing purpose too ❤

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20

Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
Proverbs 27:10

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10