I look to the hills

 (Photo: Unsplash/Nicolas Cool)

Stressed? Confused? Bored? Alone? Heartbroken? These are common human experiences which we can go through at times.

If we look to natural means to distract or numb us from feeling these emotions, it may mask the pain for a while but in my experience it will not last too long.

I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 121: 1-2

I know I can sometimes look to other things or people to help me. While there are helpful tools we can use when going through difficulties, like exercise, nourishing food, breathing, connection, nothing will really calm our souls like spending time alone in prayer with God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians chapter three speaks on setting our minds on heavenly things which has helped me shift from a natural mindset to viewing life from a heavenly perspective.

Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your creator and become like him...

Colossians 3:10

We have a new nature, and we need to renew our minds as we learn more about God and become more like him. We need to remind ourselves we have Christ living in us, the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27)! And that we have the mind of Christ dwelling in us that we can access through prayer (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

To live and function in this world to thrive and not just to survive, I need the peace of Christ to dwell and rule in my heart.

When we or our loved ones are going through challenging times, I pray we may hang on tight to Hope, remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, and walk through life with a bold, godly confidence.

News
House of Lords urged to back abolition of non-crime hate incidents
House of Lords urged to back abolition of non-crime hate incidents

The House of Lords is being urged to vote in favour of abolishing controversial non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs). 

World is at a 'dangerous tipping point', say Church leaders in appeal for peace
World is at a 'dangerous tipping point', say Church leaders in appeal for peace

The Church leaders said that the recent escalation in Iran and the Middle East had only added to the "distressing list" of ongoing conflicts including those in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Myanmar.

Faith communities generate £250m annually for Welsh economy - report
Faith communities generate £250m annually for Welsh economy - report

Faith communities across Wales are delivering social action worth at least £250m a year while playing a vital role in addressing poverty, loneliness and mental health pressures.

How Christians should respond when senior public figures are arrested
How Christians should respond when senior public figures are arrested

The first thing Christians must do is uphold the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty'.