The Sandbag Times Issue No:16

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We live in such a busy world. When I was a child, Sunday was a day of rest for the majority. The shops stayed shut. People spent time resting, enjoying quality time with family or just not doing anything for the day. These days the world doesn’t stop. Our waking hours are constantly busy, full of things that need to be done. So much so that when it is time to sleep, we struggle to switch off and barely get sufficient sleep. Thus we continue each day tired through lack of sleep and yet under more pressure than we should be. I remember being told once that we have become human doings instead of what we were created to be…human beings. Many of us do not give ourselves time to just be. Now when we read about Jesus’ life and ministry, he was a doer. He found himself unable to escape the demands of his followers and the people that came to him for healing, for restoration, for acceptance. ‘Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at His feet; and he healed them.’ (Matthew 15:29-30) He met their needs because his heart was with them. His compassion spilled over. He could not leave them alone. He was compelled to help them. However we also read that he had to take time out, to rest, to spend quality time with his father, God. Even Jesus needed a time of rest, recuperation and quiet. ‘Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After He had dismissed them, he went up on a mountain by himself to pray.’ (Matthew 14:22-23) I don’t know about you but I find it difficult to make that time, time to rest. I feel that if I am not available for others whenever they need me then I am being selfish. Selfish because I am putting my needs above those of others. I am trying to change my mindset because I am realizing that if I am burnt out, I am no good to anyone. I become snappy, short tempered and a little bitter. I went away over the bank holiday weekend. My family very kindly looked after my children and I drove off to the countryside. I was uptight the first day as I was riddled with guilt for leaving them. Even though in the back of my mind I knew that they would have an excellent time without me. Then that first evening I stood outside and looked up at the stars. Wow!! They looked so amazing. In my head I recited the words of a praise song. ‘We can try to count the stars; you already know them each by name.’ I started to forget my guilt and connect with God. I often have the best quiet time at night, the kids are asleep, the world is quieter and I can take in God. This weekend I realized how much of a struggle I find it to rest in God when stuck in everyday life. I realised that I am not allowing myself to rest in Him. This I know is not beneficial because Jesus says, ‘Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
Spend time absorbing the greatness of God all around you. The air you breathe, the sensations you feel, the sounds you hear, all of creation. Allow yourself to be filled with peace and take time to off load your burdens. Then you will find a great time of refreshing and you can continue on, knowing that no matter what is ahead you will get through, knowing that you’re not on your own. I realise that no matter how hectic your life is you need to make time to rest. I find my rest in God. When I spend quiet time with Him, it stills my mind, it fills me with peace. So what I would say to all of you who are feeling worn out with life, with the world, take time out, even just ten or fifteen minutes. Find a quiet place, it could be your bedroom or a favourite place by the river or up a hill, but find it. I want to reassure you that however alone you are feeling right now, you are NOT alone in your battle. Please message me if you have any questions or if you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know. Please contact me at havefaith@sandbagtimes.com
Page 2 and 3: Contents Thursday 05th May 2016 Ema
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Page 19 and 20: A word from the Ed Welcome to Robby
Page 21: Don’t stand there gawpin’ READ

The Sandbag Times Issue No:16

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