I’ve been reminded recently that hospitals are hives of unceasing activity. It takes a lot of people to ensure that all the needs of all the patients are filled. So, the halls are like busy highways, with people moving quickly in every direction. Monitors beep, phones buzz, intercoms interrupt, cell phones chirp. One shouldn’t head to a hospital seeking a solid night’s rest. That is especially true if regular bloodwork needs to be done, plus vitals, etc. However, there is a place away in every hospital that is away from the bustle and noise. The operating room. There, the surgeon needs a respite from the hectic goings on to concentrate on the business at hand. His/her hand in this case. In the stillness of the OR, the necessary work is done without interruption, without the clatter of carts and the ringing of bells. Everything is in place, and everyone is prepared to do their work, the silence broken only by the surgeon’s requests and updates as required (OK, I’ve heard there is OR humor, a type of surgeon-initiated banter if the surgery is routine and without complication – no further comment).
Our souls, too, need times of respite, stillnesses to regroup and reassess. They can’t thrive long without retreat into quiet, away from stress and anxiety and the weight of life’s burdens. Many diseases and mysterious other ailments, I’m convinced, are either caused by or exacerbated by our want of soul renewal. The human soul was not designed to be loaded down with the globe’s full laundry list of perplexing, distressing, issues. Technology continues to accelerate and continues, thanks to its accessibility, adding to the soul malaise wirelessly infecting our planet.
Jesus recognized humanity’s soul limits in his day. He posed the question, ‘Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.’ Matthew 11:28-30, TPT.
Simply join – find your oasis – find refreshment – find rest – find what is pleasant – find what is easy to bear. To evaluate the condition of our souls, these five ‘finds’ can help. We can ask, ‘Am I finding my oasis? Am I finding refreshment? Am I finding rest? Am I finding what is pleasant? Am I finding what is easy to bear?’ Our honest answers will light up either a green light or a red light. Red means stop! Seriously! Stop and take a closer look at what is wearying our souls, what is eroding our souls (we should never accept as normal those things). Jesus’ promises have no expiration date. Though 2000 years old, this one is still good, still powerful, still available, should we decide to partner with its truth. Looking forward to seeing all you rested and refreshed children of God tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK, 4 PM FR. PD
