Unafraid
God on Monday
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
John 14.27
Reflection
Edwin Friedman, an ordained rabbi, coined the term a ‘non-anxious presence’. He used it to describe someone who can stand firm amidst chaos and confusion.
Chaos and confusion seem to have become the order of the day. The world appears to lurch from one crisis to another: disrupted supply chains, conflict, public health threats, economic crises, and climate-related disasters.
My business explores digital solutions to such challenges. However, technology is also part of the problem. We may be shielded from the worst effects of global catastrophes, yet many of us are experiencing internal crises in our mental and emotional health.
These crises can be exacerbated by our ‘always on’ culture, which is fuelled by social media. In most developed economies, record numbers of children and young people are being treated for mental health problems. Several countries have seen a rise of over fifty percent over the last few years.
Jesus’s instructions are clear: ‘Do not be afraid’. What strikes me are his preceding words: ‘I do not give to you as the world gives’. This is not a business transaction, where something is provided for a fee. Jesus’ promise comes from a desire for a relationship. He is calling us to stop being anxious and to rest in his presence.
We can learn from this that some of the greatest weapons we have in these times of upheaval are spiritual formation practices such as silence, solitude, and Sabbath.
In Mark Sayers’ book A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders, he borrows a military concept that is used to describe a conflict without a clearly definable endpoint: a ‘gray zone’. Much contemporary work fits this description. We find ourselves having to navigate rapid cultural, relational, commercial and technological change that demands new ways of working and a lot of uncertainty.
In this environment, Sayers provides encouragement and inspiration; when overwhelmed by the pace of change, remember that we follow an unchanging God, whose kingdom is advancing in this ‘gray zone moment’.
Response
How have the last few years impacted our sense of peace? What is our response to Jesus’s command: ‘Do not be afraid’? What spiritual habits can we develop this week to help us experience more of his peace?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your unconditional gift of peace. Help me to trust in your unfailing love. Give me comfort as I face the storms in my life. Be with me today and remind me of your faithfulness. Show me how I can model your peace to those in my sphere of influence.
This Week's Author
Ravi Gidoomal, Business owner (EDGE Digital Manufacturing).
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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.
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