I retired from work this time last year, although I was only working part-time. We had moved house during covid and since then we have lost a number of our Christian friends and acquaintances. We ourselves have had minor brushes with ill health and I have possible long covid in that I have permanent cough and reflux, although this does not interfere with my life much. In fact I go to the gym 3 times a week. I have even brought my guitar out from the loft after 8 years, which has been rather painful for my hands and am taking finger-picking lessons. I worship at a local, not very active, church and lead a bible study. My wife is continually wanting me to take her by car visiting her friends. So life is quite full.
However my thought life has certainly changed over the last year. I am finally waking up later, having not slept particularly well. (I am back on the statins). I often dream of not meeting deadlines or being in a city I don't recognise. But I am convinced God has given me a gift of communion with Him and prayer when my disturbed sleep wakes me up. In fact I have a number of experiences where the Lord has moved in my dreams to wake me up or bring them to a good resolution. He tells me that He will answer those prayers I make at that early morning blessed peaceful time. So I am praying round all the church members and for Him to deal with my anxieties. If I am specific He has helped me in this.
Anxieties - yes, since covid and retirement these have increased. I wonder whether these are the Holy Spirit convincing me that we indeed live in fractious, febrile end-times. Things in the news and little things domestically exercise me. I know how to resolve most of these in my own strength. I do what I did when I was working. I didn't then often think about the state of the world or the suffering of animals. If I decide not to think about them now, then those anxieties lift. So why don't I do that?
Now, this is the significant thing. I believe the Lord is saying those things hurt His heart too and He appreciates my willingness to share those hurts for His creation, in these end-times. And those occasions that I have had enough caring, then He graciously lifts the burden and fills me with real happiness straight from the Throneroom of God.
Anyway, too much of me. What of your experiences?
However my thought life has certainly changed over the last year. I am finally waking up later, having not slept particularly well. (I am back on the statins). I often dream of not meeting deadlines or being in a city I don't recognise. But I am convinced God has given me a gift of communion with Him and prayer when my disturbed sleep wakes me up. In fact I have a number of experiences where the Lord has moved in my dreams to wake me up or bring them to a good resolution. He tells me that He will answer those prayers I make at that early morning blessed peaceful time. So I am praying round all the church members and for Him to deal with my anxieties. If I am specific He has helped me in this.
Anxieties - yes, since covid and retirement these have increased. I wonder whether these are the Holy Spirit convincing me that we indeed live in fractious, febrile end-times. Things in the news and little things domestically exercise me. I know how to resolve most of these in my own strength. I do what I did when I was working. I didn't then often think about the state of the world or the suffering of animals. If I decide not to think about them now, then those anxieties lift. So why don't I do that?
Now, this is the significant thing. I believe the Lord is saying those things hurt His heart too and He appreciates my willingness to share those hurts for His creation, in these end-times. And those occasions that I have had enough caring, then He graciously lifts the burden and fills me with real happiness straight from the Throneroom of God.
Anyway, too much of me. What of your experiences?