Stress is the main contributor to many illnesses. It has been proven that stress weakens the body’s immune system and ages us prematurely. However people all over the world, especially Americans, seem to run after it. We are so busy with our schedules that we are never at rest. Making a living takes up much of our time. Thinking about and planning our work takes up even more of it. Even in recreational time, we are rarely quiet. Technology has made it possible, and even seem necessary, to be in touch with the rest of world at all times.

At the time of this writing, a thunder storm is approaching. I am reluctant to cut the power to my computer even though one errant lightning strike could toast its components.

Because of the belief that we need to work to achieve anything, we even become stressed in the effort to become spiritual. We read books on spirituality and attend seminars. We practice different religious rituals to be sure we honor God. In our self-centered nature, we believe that spirituality depends on how hard we work at it. Seldom do we sit and quiet our minds enough to listen to what God has to say to us.

Our Father in heaven – our Creator – didn’t make it difficult to discover the Truth. We make it difficult through our own belief that it should be hard to find.

It is as simple as believing.

• Believe that God is the Creator of heaven and earth.
  
• Believe that rebelling against his authority is called sin and is offensive to him. We have all rebelled and there is no one who does not sin.
  
• Believe that God became a man and came to live with us. That man is Jesus Christ.
  
• Believe that Jesus died as payment for our sin. He was buried and, three days later, was resurrected by God’s power.
  
• Jesus now reigns as King at the right hand of God the Father and anyone who comes to him in belief and trust receives eternal life in his love and care.

This is a simple Truth. However, many of us are running too fast to take hold of it. Even after we believe, we are often still working hard trying to earn Jesus’ love. This is human nature. It has always been that way. Around 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah gave God’s message to the Israelites.
“In repentance and rest you will be saved. In quietness and trust is your strength. But you were not willing.” Isaiah 30:15 (NAS)

* Repentance is a change of mind and heart. Repenting involves changing directions. It is turning away from sin and turning toward God.

So, I will ask Jesus to remind me to stop my striving, turn off my mental planning and many forms of technology. I will make time in my schedule to rest, to be quiet, and to trust in God’s strength. I will be quiet enough to hear his voice of wisdom.

p.s. Yes, I did turn off and unplug my computer until the storm passed.

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