For example, cooking on the stove top starts feeling slower and slower. We prefer to use the microwave. It is always tempting to go much faster than the speed limit because we are rushing to get to our destination. The clerks in the retail store or the supermarket cashier just seem to move too slowly for us. We are always in a hurry.  The truth be told, sometimes there is no next appointment we just want activities to speed up. We do not ever want to wait. Heaven forbid!

We tend to think at times that even God is moving too slowly. We want our prayers answered right now. When situation does not work exactly the way we want it and in the time that we expect it, we get so impatient and wonder “Why is my life like this”?   We are constantly in a mad rush going to the next place.

Technology might change, governments might change, nations will rise and fall but God’s principles remain eternal. Regardless of how sophisticated we become gravity will always be gravity and it is not to be defied. You will die if you jump from a twenty story building.

The Ancient of Days is not baffled by what we have created in the form of medical breakthroughs, robots, AI, and a whole host of new discoveries.  As a matter of fact, as our Creator, He gave man the creative power. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Elon Musk and many other geniuses are not ahead of God in technology. Apart from God they know nothing.

As a matter of fact, if we look at the life of Jesus as He walked on the earth, we can learn from His activities which will help us to navigate through the chaos that we might be facing. Some activities are: 

Community

In order for us as human beings to have good mental health it is imperative that there be social interaction. Jesus loved to interact with people. In Luke 10:38 the Bible says that when he entered a certain village Martha received Him into her home. Her sister Mary was also there. They had a brother whose name was Lazarus and he had a great relationship with all three.

Most of us know that Jesus’ first miracle took place in Cana at a wedding where He turned water into wine.  It is mind blowing that the Pharisees called him a glutton and a winebibber because he would often socialize. He socialized with everyone, the rich, the poor, the outcasts and the sick. He did not stigmatize or ostracize people based on their economic or social background.

Jesus is all for community and sharing. He chose twelve disciples whom He trained. He is the ultimate master coach. For three years they slept together, ate together and were in constant fellowship. He was training them to be His disciples and ultimately men of God who would turn the world upside down with the gospel. They are still impacting the world today even though back then they did not have Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or any marketing funnel.  Being part of a community helps to fortify your physical, mental and spiritual health.

Rest

We see in Luke 8:23 where Jesus fell asleep as they set sail on the lake. The winds and the water became so boisterous that the disciples feared for their lives. The Prince of Peace knows how to rest in the storm.  Some of us are so sleep deprived that we think we are sick when all we need is to develop a healthier sleep pattern. Our body speaks to us.  When you are tired, take a nap or if it is bedtime, go to bed. This is an activity that I am working on myself.                                 

Prayer

Jesus was all God and all man when He was on earth yet He was constantly in communion with His Father. According to scripture, Jesus often prayed early in the morning. After ministering on any platform, it can be draining because virtue has left your body as a result of giving out so much to the people. In Matthew 14:23, it stated that after Jesus ministered to the multitude He would also go into the mountain or just away from the crowd to pray. Prayer restores and realign your mind, body and soul.

Fasting

Fasting has spiritual, physical and emotional benefits. It is important that you take a break from the constant eating and give your digestive system rest every now and then.  There are different kinds of fast. Some people do intermittent fasting where you fast for a few hours or miss a meal every few days or once per week. You also have the Daniel fast which essentially consists of grains, fruits and vegetables for three weeks. 

 You have the dry fast which is usually a fast without food or water. There are people who have fasted for forty days but this you need to hear clearly from the Lord and speak to your doctor before attempting.

Fasting can be any amount of days as you are led by the Lord. If you have medical issues it is important that you check with your physician before embarking on a fast. However, spiritually it is the catalyst that propels you into a closer, deeper and more intimate walk with the Lord. There is nothing like denying the flesh and seeking the face of God. The reward is immeasurable.   

Years ago when my pastor at the time suggested that every Christian need to fast the first thing that came to my mind was that I would not be able to do it. I was leery because I was sure that gas was going to fill me up. Shortly after that when the warfare intensified, I was fasting three days dry fast sometimes twice a week. You never know what you are capable of until you are faced with the test.

Exercise               

Jesus and His disciples walked everywhere. The only time I read about Jesus riding was during Palm Sunday when He entered Jerusalem on the donkey. Exercise, even if it is moderately done helps with the blood flow to our vital organs and the brain. This is essential in maintaining good health physically, spiritually and emotionally.  This in turn helps you to feel better about yourself and enable you to enjoy your relationships. In other words, you like yourself, it becomes contagious and so other people will gravitate towards you.

Hopefully, if you are experiencing chaos in your life you will be able to use one or more of these activities to help you remain calm.

Love and Blessings,

Sheron