Navigating the High Seas

[intro]In every stage of life I have been through I have spent a decent amount of time wondering what the next stage will be like. You can never be fully prepared when you land in a new life stage. (Nothing could have prepared me for middle school. I’m glad that one is over.)[/intro]

Now in my 30s, I’m thinking back to a small group I had 10 years ago when we talked a lot about what we called the “tunnel of chaos.” The “tunnel of chaos” was our way of talking about all the things that can distract us from Jesus as we move through life. That term makes a lot of sense to me now, and I’m not sure I was as prepared as I thought. Life has me spinning at times, and it has become increasingly difficult to do the simple things to make sure I’m focused on living a life that honors God.

You might feel this right now in your life. No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s good to remember the simple commands in the Bible that help us move forward as Christians living Godly lives.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

The Bible is a wonderful resource given to us so that we can understand the way that we are supposed to live. It also gives us a great understanding of the character of God and the example of Jesus on earth when he lived with us. I have at times been caught trying to do the right things on the outside but not taking time to make sure my heart and attitudes are right before God. God knows our hearts and the Bible keeps us chasing after a heart that loves God and wants to live for him. If we’re not in the word we can find ourselves drifting from the word of God into our own thinking.

Reading the word of God is so important because it’s the only text we have that is directly from God. We can trust that the Bible is good and true. When life gets overwhelming it can be easy to keep doing “good” things on the outside but have a heart that is drifting. The “tunnel of chaos” can pull us into our own thoughts and self-reliance, and the Bible is a continual reminder that we need God and should have a desire to do his work.

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Luke 22:41-44

When I think about prayer, I always remember this verse in Luke where Jesus is praying to God before the crucifixion. It’s a heartbreaking verse but I think it shows that our prayers before God need not be guarded and perfectly worded. Prayer can be many things, including confession, thanksgiving, worship, and a time to recognize that he is directing all things and we can bring all things to him. In my most stressful times I can forget to bring my daily life to God. He is asking us to do this and it is part of the way we grow with him. It’s an act of obedience and it shows that we believe he’s involved in our lives in a very real way. It’s also a daily reminder to ourselves that we’re not in control.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

I was talking with two of my good friends a few weeks back. These are two friends I have had for a really long time, and have leaned on them to speak truth into my life and for wisdom and guidance as we move through life together. In our discussion we realized we were all facing similar pressures in life as we move through the chaos life can sometimes bring. It was an encouragement to know that others were having similar struggles and to find ways together to keep each other accountable. The Bible encourages us to rely on each other for support, encouragement and accountability.

Just like the early church, Riv is a group of people who are on mission together for Jesus. We can partner in many ways to work side by side and grow together as we follow Jesus. Whether it’s grabbing a quick meal together, going to a service on the weekends or joining a Bible study, there are many ways to stay sharp by being in community with others.

God has given us many practical commands that draw us closer to him and refocus our thoughts on a daily basis. When we are struggling with feeling the full weight of life, God asks us to keep coming to him to be refreshed. Here are a few practical ways to continue to grow as a believer and help others around you grow:

Join a Life Group at Riv: Think about joining a Life Group or even leading one. This is a great way to read the Bible with others, pray together and do life with other people around you.

Read the Bible daily: You can either set up a reading plan for yourself, or join a reading plan to make it convenient to read every day.

Serve at Riv: A great way to find community and continue to grow is to serve others. Riv has a lot of practical ways to serve on a weekend or during the week. Go to rivchurch.com/serve to see all the areas you can get plugged in and serve.

Image credit: Jeremy Mason