Of Herbs and Vacuum Cleaners
by Anton Rautenbach
Recently, I moved from one suburb to another; from one townhouse to another. Packing up the odds and ends which I put off until the last minute I had to decide what to keep and what to discard? After this, rearranging my life and settling in at the new place seemed to take so long. There were so many little details to take care of such as changing banks and finding my way around the new area.
Symptoms such as stress, anxiety and insomnia hindered my inability to get things done. Every little task became a mental block to progress. But when the packing and unpacking were all over, it wasn't such a big deal after all. I even had the energy to clean out the vacuum cleaner; and later found a herbal remedy among my toiletries which was supposed to rejuvenate and sooth the stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Relieved, I thought, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could clean out all the debris from my mind and get it working like a well maintained machine?" The thought occurred to me that the many ideas and memories that conditioned my mind determined my current behavior and emotions in such unproductive ways were also things that come between me and God.
What a wonderful experience it is to know and remember God's promises when you say things like, it's impossible, I'm too tired, or nobody cares about me. He says.
All things are possible (just ask) (Luke 18:27)
I will give you rest (forget about the herbs) (Matthew 11:28-30)
I love you (John 3:16 and 34)
If you have ever felt like you needed a new brain, then don't despair. Renew your mind by reading the Bible, and remind yourself of God's promises to you. And then depend on God's grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Prayer: All things are possible through Jesus who gives me strength, dear Lord. Please fulfill my deepest wish and desire to seek your Kingdom; and I trust You, oh Lord, and I accept Your grace that everything I need will be given to me by You, Almighty God. Amen.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2010/02/02/ar_cleaners/
Anton Rautenbach lives in Johannesburg, S. Africa. He is a specialist in commitment/contract management and has been working mainly in the petro-chemical and aviation industries during the last 20 years. He is aiming to become an entrepreneur and management consultant. His passion is helping the disabled to overcome their disadvantages.
_________________________________________
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:18 am
I liked this article....so often our minds are totally clogged up and yes, it would be wonderful if we could vacuum our thoughts and lives as well...Thanks it was very enlightening
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:20 am
What a wonderful way to look at it, there are times that I wish I could clean all the things in my mind. But when I am feeling down or do not think that I can do it, all I do is remember that all things are possible through Jesus. Thank you for the Bible verses to read.
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:59 am
IT'S the TRUTH that our MIND is ALWAYS on the BATTLEFIELD between right and wrong decisions and sometimes causes STRESS. Our busy body cause us too much stress that we often block our devotion to GOD. The THORN that was put around at the HEAD of JESUS reminds me that our thoughts should be pure as He carried all our negative thoughts with Him through that THORN.
(Matthew 11:28-30 >>>express that JESUS CHRIST is "Gentle and Humble in Heart" and offers rest to the weary souls who come to Him...
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
and Learn from Him. Thanks for this encouraging devotion to realize that to GOD everything is Possible if we come to Him with sincere heart. APART from HIM we can do Nothing. GOD bless you all in JESUS name.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:55 am
Thank you for this soothing devotional and the prayer is encouraging.
Blessings.