GOD = LOVE AND MORE (MATH FOR THE OVERWHELMED HEART)
Today, after helping my son with algebra problems, I started seeing bible verses through a math lens. I enjoyed it, because seeing the equations was serving my goal of focusing on the love of Jesus. Keeping my eyes on Him takes some determination in a world that presents me with a multitude of other people and issues to examine and ponder. I believe that it is responsible to be informed and involved in community, national, and world issues as God directs, but it is easy to get sucked into information chaos and overload with all the riveting and conflicting news literally at my fingertips at any free moment (if I am holding my cell phone).
I have personally never had a year like the past one where I have been so prone to frequently research fact vs. fiction on various topics. To not become overwhelmed and intimidated by current events, I have been decidedly proactive about remembering that God is not only loving, but sovereign and always on the move. I know that others can relate to my predicament, and maybe can also relate to the following:
Over the last many months, I have been praying more often than usual for the vast world beyond my loved ones and others in my sphere of influence. I have also become increasingly more determined to fully return to the early days after I first encountered Who Jesus really was. I was drunk with his love and consequently full of courage daily. I was quite fearless because I was less distracted by what was happening around me and unwaveringly focused on His heart toward me and thosein my path. I am committed to letting him rekindle that fiery fixation in me now.
My life is surrendered to Jesus. He lives in me and scripture says that therefore, I have His mind. I want to always think with His mind, which means my thoughts will be always full of love — His love for me, my love for Him and His love for others — His intentions for each heart— peace, well-being, and hope — no matter how dark the climate may seem. His light is stronger than the miles of darkness.
Prayer for myself and those reading this: I pray that we can stay fully surrendered to God and more and more conscious of His passion and tenderness towards us. I pray that we will drink deeply from His compassion, remembering that no matter what is going on around us, or what condition we are in, His hand of mercy is always extended. He is our refuge and our Shepherd and there is nothing that can separate us from His love. Some truths about Who He Is can be written as simple as math equations, but I pray that the depth of their meaning will saturate our hearts. May we accept His invitation to rest in the secret place with Him. May our intimacy and connection with Him be unmovable. May we stay ever mindful of His love.
Any positive impact we can have on our world will be born out of that time with Him, listening to the beat of His heart.
He loves each one of us so much. Do the math 😉
We have come into an intimate experience with God’s love, and we trust in the love he has for us. God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them. (1 John 4:16).
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You (Psalm 139:17-18).
…But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes] (1 Cor 2:16).
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”Jer 32:17
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock (Psalm 27:5).
Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her (Luke 10:42).