Last week, I wrote about how I heard a podcast so moving, I knew I wanted to share it with you. If you haven’t read that post (Uncertain Times), it would be helpful to quickly look it over before diving into today’s post.
The podcast is a two-part series from Wild at Heart. Today, I will list the practical wisdom John Eldredge and Morgan Snyder shared in this second part. You will recall from last week that the men talked about how we are all suffering from low grades of PTSD. The constant uncertainty is causing trauma on our souls. They said it is vital (now more than ever) to strengthen our union with God.
Before we talk about ways we can do this, let’s look over a few things that erode our union with God.
- Speculation
- Fear
- Worry
- Erosion of rhythms
- Technology
- Pace of life
- Relying on yourself (your giftings)
Your one mission right now is to strengthen your union with God. Ways to do this:
- As soon as you feel yourself waking up in the morning say, “Jesus” or “Father, fill me.” What has your attention when you first wake is a good starting place. Another prayer you could pray is, “I am a son/daughter.” “God, you are my father. And I invite you to father me today.”
- Remember what God did in your life yesterday.
- Present yourself for union with Christ. A great way to understand this idea is to check out One Minute Pause app by Wild at Heart.
- Play worship music. Have intentional moments when you worship. This time might be for adoring God, receiving from Him, or gathering scattered thoughts.
- Return back to places that have historically been faucets to turn on the river of life. Ask: What have I done for a while that is not working? What have I done in the past that worked to draw me closer to God?
- Forgive. The world is disappointing and there are many that come up short. You can pray “I forgive everyone everything.”
- Return to things in a certain season that bring you life. God can meet you when you are hunting, gardening, raking leaves, walking on brisk mornings. How can this season draw you nearer to God?
- Reading scripture out loud. Hearing the scripture read has an effect on your soul and spirit that draws you back to union with God.
- Celebrate the sacraments more often. There is life that comes to you through taking communion.
- One practice that is above all others: LOVE GOD. You can start by telling Him throughout the day that you love Him.
The idea is too cut the things from the first list out of your habits and add in the second list. Practical, yes?
I hope this helps you as it did me. I encourage to check out these podcast episodes Constant Uncertainty and Greater Union with God by Wild at Heart with John Eldredge.
-Kassie Joy
