Thought for the Day - Monday 26 October

Thought for the Day – Monday 26th October Yesterday we were talking about the Greatest Commandment and the command to love others as we love ourselves. Love ourselves? I think part of that learning to love ourselves has to come from within, it has to come from the love we have for God and the knowledge of the love God has for us. When we can understand that love more fully in our own lives it can make it so much easier to live out the commandments we have been given to love God and love neighbour as we love ourselves. So how do we do that? Well it seems to me the first thing we need to do is slow ourselves down – we need to take time to find moments of peace and calm – learn to listen for God within us and then we might just learn more of his love for us, which in turn might then encourage us to love ourselves a little more. So, each day this week I am just going to encourage you to be calm and slow down your life. Each day I will give you just a short reading and a short thought both designed to just help you to be still and take time to be calm yourself. Reflect on the words and the thought and refresh your weary soul and remind yourself of just how much God loves you. ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4: 7) No human being can ever explain God’s calming peace but as it says here even though it is a peace which cannot be worked out or cannot be explained in some scientific way for the very reason it does surpass all human understanding, still it is a peace which will always guard your heart and your mind. Be still and know that I am God. Slow down and take time to remember God is still in heaven. Remind yourself you are not responsible for doing everything yourself right now – God never slumbers or sleeps. Prayer Loving God, Be present with us as we take time to slow down our lives and seek your calming peace within. In the ever-changing and uncertain world where we find ourselves, help us to know and be assured that you are all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present holding us in any anxiety and distress we may feel. Calm our hearts and minds and give us hope in you, our only certain hope. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.