Recorded MP3 audio meditations: downloads and audio streams, written reflections and contemplative resources by Dorinda Miller

Written Reflections

Journey Through Lent

These written reflections are for the Journey through Lent, under the heading

The Way of…with each week having a different theme.

 

Journey Through Lent - The Way of Problems

Problems are part of the journey of life. They come in all shapes and sizes and often appear at inconvenient moments and/or when we least expect them! They present us with challenges and as we find ways to deal with these experiences, we learn and grow and become stronger and wiser and better able to navigate them.

We may yearn for a problem free life…..but history shows us, that this is but a pipe dream!

In Deuteronomy 1:11 (NLT) we find Moses speaking to the Israelites and saying. “ But you are such a heavy load to carry! How can I deal with all your problems and bickering?” He resolved this situation by appointing leaders to deal with the people’s problems and he only dealt with the more complex issues which the leaders sent to him.

Throughout the Old Testament we read of a variety of problems faced by individuals and nations. Running alongside these is a consistent thread, that when the people were in trouble and turned back to the Lord, they would find him.

“But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him. During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land.”
2 Chronicles 15:4-5 (NLT)

“No need to panic over alarms or surprises or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner. Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.” Proverbs 3:26 (MSG)

As I write this reflection the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently one of the main item on the news channels. It threatens our health and wellbeing and many aspects of our everyday life. It gives rise to many questions in our minds. How will it pan out? How long will it last? How detrimental will it be to us as individuals, communities and nations?

While we may not have the answers to all of our questions and while living with uncertainty, may be uncomfortable for us, we can choose our response/perspective to this problem. We can view it through the lens of panic, fear, or despondency. We can also allow ourselves to be swayed by popular opinion or biased reporting.

Alternatively, we can choose to view it through another lens, and seek the way of faith, trust and peace. This current problem gives us an opportunity to exercise our faith muscles and to be a clearer ray of light wherever we are. We do, of course, need to take sensible precautions and follow the government’s guidelines. One of the recommended guidelines is to wash our hands regularly with soap and water. Paula Gooder commented, “I’ve been saying the Lord’s Prayer while washing my hands (about 22 secs) – and already I’m noticing a difference in my prayer life. Worth trying…”

@luess94 has made a handy guide for this:

 

To end this reflection on the Way of Problems, here are two quotes:

A quote from the book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Makesy

“When the big things seem out of control……focus on what you love right under your nose.”

Jesus told his disciples:

“ I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead be courageous.” John 14:27 TPT

Take a few moments to reflect and ponder on these quotes and listen to what God wants to say to you through them.

Written by Dorinda Miller; © D Miller 2020. For full credits please see the site credits page

Next Reflection:

The Way of Punctuality