I was standing on a busy street in the heart of Times Square in New York City - just one tiny speck surrounded by countless buildings of gargantuan proportions. The jumbotrons, lights, sounds, and rush of the city made it nearly impossible to focus on what was right in front of me. The incessant honks of the impatient taxis caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic captured the attention of my already over-stimulated ears. The locals on a mission hustled past me, nearly running me over. Finally, I made an effort to escape it all by locating and descending the nearest stairway to the subway system. I waited and watched the subway cars zoom past me at what felt like 100 miles per hour, and I wished they would pause just for a moment so I could figure out where I was going.
As I reflect on my family's visit to the Big Apple several years ago, I am struck by how that scenario often feels like my everyday life. Perhaps it does for you too.
Life never stops.
Maybe you’ve never had an actual New York City experience, but how often does that feel just like your life? You are caught in the hustle and bustle of the everyday, pulled in all directions by different people, activities, jobs, worries, and to-dos. You know what’s most important in life, but you are surrounded by so many “lights” and “sounds” that steal your attention. You long to slow down and connect with others, and most importantly connect with God, but you feel you're always on the go.
Do you often feel like a passenger on the crazy, non-stop, intertwining tracks of the New York subway system? Are you always zooming fast but never 100% sure where you’re going? Do you long for peace and hope in the midst of it all, but you struggle knowing how to fit it into your hectic life?
Don't give up! There is hope.
There are some surprisingly simple ways to nourish your soul with God’s truth in this constant, crazy, chaotic world. These five strategies are not difficult to implement, but you must be intentional if you want to feel God’s peace in your everyday. Let’s look together.
1. Make use of an audio Bible.
While a couple of quick minutes listening to an audio Bible shouldn’t replace focused time reading and studying God's Word, it can give you so many opportunities to consistently hear small bursts of truth throughout your day. Play an encouraging passage while you’re brushing your teeth. Stuff in your earbuds during a 5-minute break at the office and meditate on a verse that speaks hope into your struggle. Listen to a few key verses during your bedtime routine or play a verse when you’re restless in the middle of the night. There are so many bite-sized ways throughout the day that you can consume God’s Word and fill your mind with truth.
2. Dive into some faith-focused audiobooks.
In the rush of a busy day, and the often-endless hours staring at a screen, it can be exhausting trying to focus your eyes on the text of written words. Your brain is tired and you just want a moment to cozy up on the sofa, relax, and rest your weary mind. With audiobooks, you can sit back, close your eyes, and glean wisdom from Christian authors, teachers, pastors, and ministries without having to pour over a physical book. Or, if you're on the go, turn on an audiobook just about anywhere. Even if you have just 15 minutes a day to “read,” you’ll be amazed at how many faith-focused books you can consume in one year that will speak hope into your chaos. If you're serious about using audiobooks to enrich your life, consider joining Audible.
3. Tune in to a truth-filled podcast.
Like audiobooks, you can listen to podcasts just about anywhere, and there are so many to choose from to keep your heart focused on God's Word. Consider using Edifi or FaithPlay, popular Christian podcast apps, to find some great resources. Be sure to select one from a reputable ministry (consider consulting a pastor or ministry leader). Then, press play during your commute to the office, when you’re prepping dinner, as you’re out for a stroll in the neighborhood, or during your regular trips to the gym. You will hear inspirational stories, biblical truth, and encouragement for navigating everyday life from Bible teachers all around the world. Sometimes it helps your study of the Word when you have someone to come alongside you as a guide. That’s why podcasts are such an outstanding resource because you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
4. Listen to an uplifting playlist.
I don’t know about you, but music is one of those things that encourages my heart and gives a renewed hope for the morrow. As Satan tries to flaunt his devious messages of fear, fighting, failure, and frustration, the beautiful hope of Jesus keeps us grounded in faith and freedom. As Philippians 4:8 says, we must fix our minds on “whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and whatever is commendable.” There are so many wonderful worship songs to remind you of who you are in Christ and to set your gaze on the hope found in him. Build a playlist of songs that uplift your heart, put it on repeat, sing along, and claim God’s promises over your day!
5. Carry pocket-sized Scriptures.
Many of us like to rely on a jazzed-up cup of coffee to get us through our morning, followed by multiple refills throughout the day. Every time you boost your energy with another dose of caffeine, why don’t you also consider boosting your spirit with Scripture? There are many different pocket-sized Scripture cards you can purchase online (check out Etsy), or you can write your own favorite verses on index cards. Pull them out while you’re drinking that cup of coffee or eating your breakfast. Read one at your desk before you begin your workday. Pull out another on your lunch break. Keep a stash on your nightstand to ponder before drifting to sleep. Pull one out when you are faced with anxiety. Let God inscribe his promises on your heart with these small doses of truth throughout your day.
Choose one and begin today!
I remember scrolling through my social media feed one day and seeing an image that said, “Press Pause.” Sometimes we must press pause on the rush of our life so that we can just be still and connect with God. Sometimes we have to put on the brakes of the non-stop subway before it derails, crashes, and burns. Sometimes we must tune out all the noise around us and put God’s promises on the playlist of our hearts. What will your choice be? Choose one of the ideas above to begin filling your mind with truth today!
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