Life + Faith

Tag: Jesus

  • Rest in the Rock – Trusting God in the Pressure Cooker of Life

    Rest in the Rock – Trusting God in the Pressure Cooker of Life

    We live in a world that celebrates busyness and productivity, yet many of us feel burned out and empty. Sometimes we feel like we’re barely holding it together. All these demands on our time and on our life stack up, and no matter how hard you try to push through, telling yourself it’ll be easier next week, it doesn’t seem to get any better.

    In working through Psalm 62 we don’t find a quick fix or productivity hacks, but we find something deeper, something that speaks into this reality: rest in the refuge of God. 

    In my last post we explored the idea of finding our true rest in God alone, using the phrase ‘Rest in the Rock’ as somewhat of a reminder of this. Flowing on from this we find Psalm 62 helpful as we navigate the pressure cooker of life, reminding us that trusting in God as our refuge provides rest for us. 

    The Pressure Cooker

    Over Summer, here in Melbourne, we’ve already had plenty of days that have hit 30 degrees or more. Days where the heat is sapping our energy, where if we’re out in the heat of the day for too long we are drained more than usual and only find relief in our iced drinks air conditioned living rooms. It sometimes surprises us that a heatwave, even a couple of days in a row, can bring on a sense of weariness. 

    The psalmist David captures this kind of weariness in Psalm 62 when he writes, 

    Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. (Psalm 62:9)

    If we’re honest this verse can be a bit of a downer. It gives a picture of the fleeting life. No matter our position or status, no matter the things we chase after like wealth, recognition, and achievement, it’ll all be gone. It’s the same for all.  

    When we are faced with a heatwave we go searching for shade or a cool room. When we are inside with the blinds drawn, or under the air conditioner, or even in the pool, the sun is still there. The heat is still there. What those things do is shield us and offer us relief. This is what it means to take refuge in God. It doesn’t mean the pressure of life will vanish, but he gives our soul a place to breathe, to rest, to cool down again. 

    The False Refuge

    But, when the pressures of life stack up, one upon another, we don’t always run to God first. Often we turn to those temporary comforts. 

    These days it’s most likely going to be scrolling through social media or playing around on our phones. But it could go the other way, being focussed so much on work or picking up a project that stops us from being involved in others responsibilities in life. These ‘refuges’ dull that heatwave of pressure but leave us just as empty as before. 

    In v10 the psalmist warns about these false refuges when he writes, 

    Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. (Psalm 62:10)

    I doubt most of us are engaging in extortion or stealing or fraud, but the bigger point is about what we put our trust in. Whether it is money, status, performance, or distraction, these things are not given to us to sustain us. In fact, they are as fleeting as our own lives. Our search for rest and fulfilment in these things soon become as exhausting as the other pressures of life.

    God Our Refuge

    Instead, Psalm 62 offers up a better way.

    Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

    We have here an invitation into an honest relationship with God. 

    It’s funny how we often put aside our raw and honest selves, hiding those things deep within our hearts to God. He knows them anyway, but something about the sin and brokenness of our soul makes us shield ourselves from the guilt and shame we know sits there. We’d like to present polished versions of ourselves to God, but instead we’re like Adam and Eve just after they’ve eaten from the forbidden tree, hiding our true selves from the God who loves us so. 

    God, after all, is the only refuge in life that we can come to in total abandon. He is the one who will hear us, have compassion and kindness toward us, when we ‘pour out our hearts’ to him. Like a dam that must release the overflow, our hearts full of the pressures of life are invited to release and freedom when we acknowledge our trust in him. 

    Rest In Jesus

    This theme of refuge finds its fulfilment in Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gives this powerful invitation:

    Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

    This is the kind of rest we need—not just relief from our circumstances but a deep, soul-level peace that comes from knowing we are held by him who loves us.

    Jesus doesn’t promise to remove life’s pressures, but he does offer to walk with us through them. When we trust him as our refuge, we find freedom from striving to prove our worth or control everything ourselves.

    Psalm 62 reminds us that our true refuge is in God. He is the shade in the heat, and the rest our souls long for.

    Rest in the Rock: A Series in Psalm 62
    Part 1: Rediscovering True Rest
    Part 2: Trusting God in the Pressure Cooker of Life
    Part 3: A Rest That Transforms
    Related: 11 Helpful Books on Burnout and Ministry and my review of The Unhurried Pastor

  • Clear the Clutter: Steps to Simplify Your Life and Focus on Faith

    Clear the Clutter: Steps to Simplify Your Life and Focus on Faith

    Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

    So much of life fills up, doesn’t it?  

    Our homes, our schedules, and even our minds can start to feel crammed with things that don’t belong—things that weigh us down instead of lifting us up. Clutter creeps in slowly, often unnoticed, until one day we find ourselves overwhelmed, out of focus, and running on empty.

    But what if clearing out the clutter could make more space for what truly matters? What if it’s not just about tidying up but about making room for God to work in and through us?

    When tackling clutter we might consider the physical, mental, and spiritual areas of life. 

    1. Your Physical Space

    It’s common for the environment around us to shape how we feel and function. Whether it’s your kitchen bench, your wardrobe, or that drawer stuffed with everything from rubber bands to old receipts, physical clutter can weigh you down.

    Jesus told his disciples, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). While he wasn’t talking about organising your pantry, the principle underneath this is that our physical space, like our homes, are places to reflect kingdom priorities, not consumerist ones.

    Simplifying your space can free your energy to focus on what matters most.

    2. Your Schedule

    One of the great lies culture tells us is that busyness equals importance. But constant activity doesn’t make us more faithful or fruitful—it just makes us tired and exhausted.

    Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Making the most of every opportunity doesn’t mean cramming your calendar with commitments; it means being intentional about where your time goes.

    I regularly look at my schedule to make sure I’ve said “yes” to the important things and align the week to my priorities. It’s not easy when there are so many options and things to do, but sometimes we need to clear the clutter in our diaries so we have time and space for what God is calling us to do. 

    3. Your Mind

    Clutter isn’t just about stuff; it’s about the noise in your head—the to-do lists, the comparisons, the worries. It’s easy to let your thoughts spiral into overwhelm, but Scripture gives us a different way.

    “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Renewing your mind means filtering out the distractions and lies, and filling your thoughts with God’s truth instead.

    Start small. Take five minutes at the start or end of your day to sit quietly with God. Pray, journal, or meditate on Scripture. Over time, this discipline will help clear the mental clutter and create space for his peace to settle in.

    4. Your Spiritual Life

    Finally, consider where spiritual clutter might be crowding out your relationship with Jesus. This might look like going through the motions in your faith or holding onto things that keep you from walking closely with Him.

    Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” What’s holding you back? Are there habits, distractions, or misplaced priorities you need to surrender to God?

    Clearing spiritual clutter doesn’t mean adding more “holy” activities to your week. It’s about returning to the basics—prayer, Scripture, and worship—and letting God reorder your heart.

    Clearing Clutter for the Kingdom

    At its core, reducing clutter isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose. It’s about removing the distractions that pull our hearts away from God so we can live with intention and freedom.

    So where can you begin? Pick one area—your home, your schedule, your thoughts, or your spiritual walk—and ask God to help you clear what’s unnecessary. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. As we make space, we open ourselves up to the life Jesus promised: one of peace, joy, and fullness in him.

  • The Autograph Book

    The Autograph Book

    Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

    I still have it.

    It’s tucked away in a box now. In some ways, I’m still attached to it. Logic says there’s no reason to hold onto it, but it’s not the item itself—it’s the memories it carries. It’s the way it triggers snapshots of my youth, moments spent in anticipation and excitement.

    I spent hours with this item. It came with me everywhere. It was always in my bag, ready for the next opportunity. Whenever I had a chance, I’d pull it out and add to it.

    Some people I knew even contributed to it, leaving their mark on its pages. I’ll admit, a few entries were made up—copied from somewhere else just to fill the gaps. But most of it was real, collected during hours of waiting, sometimes long into the night.

    These entries weren’t just ink on paper. They were people—heroes of mine. People I admired and tried to imitate as I practiced their craft. They weren’t just my heroes, either. They were legends for so many others, drawing crowds of thousands who came to watch them do what they did best.

    I’d stand around the boundary, waiting. Outside the changing rooms, I’d wait. I’d write letters with pre-stamped, self-addressed envelopes, hoping for a response. I was determined to get another entry—an autograph I didn’t yet have.

    This item, if you haven’t guessed by now, was my autograph book. A small, colourful book filled with the signatures of sporting heroes. Cricket captains, Australian players, touring sides—anyone who took to the pitch to play.

    Whether it was a Test match or a one-day game, I’d wait after play had finished, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players as they headed to their cars. And if I was lucky, I’d get their signature.

    It’s more than just a book. It’s a collection of memories, a connection to the joy of my youth. And now, as I pull it out to show my kids or take it to a game we’re going to, I’m instilling in them the same excitement and appreciation for heroes, patience, and the moments that stay with you forever.

    When I think about that autograph book, I’m reminded of how much time and effort I put into collecting those signatures. It’s a small picture of the kind of dedication and patience we’re called to in our faith.

    Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB) says,

    “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

    Just as I stood waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of my heroes, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is infinitely greater. The effort, time, and love we pour into following Him shape who we are, just as those hours around the boundary shaped my childhood.

  • Mission Possible

    Mission Possible

    What is your mission?

    My mission, if I choose to accept it, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

    Borrowing from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, this mission aligns the whole of life with its ultimate purpose. As John Piper reframes it: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

    But we live in a world full of missions. Whether it’s crafting a New Year’s resolution, striving for career success, or parenting through the seasons of childhood, everyone is pursuing something. These missions often shape our daily rhythms and long-term goals.

    For many, crafting a personal mission statement offers clarity and focus. Every few years, I revisit my values and ask whether they align with my daily life and priorities. This exercise helps me focus on what matters most, alongside this it has also taught me something deeper.

    Missions, as we often define them, are like to-do lists. They have a beginning, middle, and end. Once completed, we move on to the next. While this approach works for concrete goals—like finishing a project or achieving a fitness milestone—it can fall short when applied to life’s bigger intentions.

    Take faith, family, or health, for instance. These aren’t tasks to be completed but lifelong priorities. They require ongoing attention, growth, and care. You don’t “finish” being faithful, raising your family, or looking after your body. These are life long responsibilities, not one-off missions.

    Instead of viewing life’s intentions as a series of missions to accomplish, I’ve come to view them as as a set of sustainable priorities. Priorities allow for a lifelong focus, recognising that some tasks will never be fully completed but are worth our time and effort nonetheless.

    If we turn for a moment to our theological understanding of mission, mission isn’t just personal—it’s part of a bigger story. Jesus gave His followers a clear mission in Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB):

    “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    Similarly, in Acts 1:8 (CSB), Jesus said:

    “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

    This mission—the Great Commission—is ongoing. It’s not something we check off a list but a lifelong call to share the gospel and live as witnesses to Jesus.

    This perspective reframes how we think about mission. It’s not about achieving a specific result but faithfully living out our calling in Christ.

    It’s like building a house. A mission-driven approach might focus on completing individual rooms: the kitchen, the bedrooms, the living space. Each project has a clear endpoint.

    But a priorities-driven approach sees the house as a home—a place that constantly requires attention, care, and investment. It’s not about “finishing” the house but creating a space where life can flourish.

    Similarly, our faith is is a priority that requires daily investment—prayer, scripture, community, and service.

    Central to our faith and its mission is to glorify God. This mission extends beyond church walls and spiritual disciplines into every corner of life. Colossians 3:17 (CSB) reminds us:

    “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

    Whether we’re at work, raising a family, or simply enjoying the beauty of creation, our mission is to honour God in all we do.

    The beauty of God’s mission is that while it remains unfinished in this life, it’s already fulfilled in Christ. Our call to glorify God and enjoy Him forever is both a present reality and an eternal hope.

    So, what is your mission? Is it a project to complete, or a priority to pursue?

  • The Greatest Gift

    The Greatest Gift

    What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

    How would you answer this question?

    There are so many angles to consider:

    • The angle of need and want in the material world in which we live.
    • The angle of the inner life, what we seek and need for our souls and hearts.
    • The angle of the right here and now, or the long-term perspective of life as a whole.

    I wonder how you would answer?

    For me, the answer is clear.

    I’ve already received the greatest gift.

    This is a gift I was given many years ago. It’s a gift many others have also accepted, and it’s one I hope others will receive too—particularly those I know and love.

    This gift is from God, who seeks to give all people the gift of His love through Jesus Christ.

    As the familiar words of John 3:16 remind us: 

    “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

    This verse highlights God’s deep love for His people and all of creation. It speaks of a gift given so that the world may know true love—divine love—and receive eternal life.

    This is the gift of salvation. It’s the gift of forgiveness for sin. It’s the gift of being present with God. It’s the gift of peace, joy, and hope—those very themes we celebrate at Christmas.

    This is the greatest gift I have ever received, and it will always remain the greatest gift I could ever receive.

    What about you, how would you respond?

    This is a writing response to the WordPress daily prompt.