God, what is happening? Why does everything seem to go wrong in my life? How much more can I take? If you’ve ever had that conversation with God, then you’re life has been interrupted. Or has it?
My handy thesaurus gave me insight into the variations of the word ‘interruption’. Here are three sets of words that could replace that word.
- cutting in, barging in, intervention, intrusion, butting in
- discontinuation, breaking off, suspension, disruption, stopping, halting, cessation
- interval, interlude, break, pause, gap, hiatus
From intrusion to disruption to hiatus, the word interruption can have slightly different meanings at various times in our lives. We all enjoy a break or hiatus from the everyday routine; but what about those incidents that strike when life appears to be moving along smoothly. What happens when life throws you a curve, when your normal routine must stop because someone close to you dies? What do you do when a relative needs surgery or regularly battles cancer? What if it’s been raining for days and now the water is covering your basement or a leak occurred under your sink, spilling out onto your kitchen floor? What if your husband decides to leave you and the children or your child rebels and chooses to live an alternate lifestyle? From things that cut into your life to the abrupt halting of the life you knew, interruptions happen many times and in many ways. In fact, they’re so frequent that they really aren’t disruptions, but life itself.
We live in a sinful world. Things go wrong sometimes. Choices made by some people affect others. We readily accept the blessings, but burdens - who wants them? Our world is not perfect yet Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us live out our lives on earth until we reach our eternal home in heaven. He is always available in good times and bad. But do we live as if we believe in His constant presence?
Think about your own situations. How do you handle the interruptions that are part of life? Are you overcome by adverse situations? Do you get upset and worry? I can honestly say that at times I’ve been overcome by worry and fear, and yes, some situations are much worse than others. But read what Paul tells us to do in Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV): Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Practice - did he say practice?...and then we can have peace. I’ve always heard that practice makes perfect, but how do we practice spiritually? We daily read the words of our Heavenly Father, we pray to Him, and we give Him our praises in all situations. Let me help you begin to praise Jesus so that no matter how or when life interrupts you, peace will reign within and around you.
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 (NIV)
For he himself is our peace.... Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3 (NIV)
a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3 (NIV)
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:4 (NIV)
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:4 (NIV)
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 (NIV)
I needed this message probably more than any of you. I’ve experienced several of the above examples over the past 10 days, and I’ve struggled posting these words on my blog because of life’s interruptions. It’s been difficult but I’ve tried to practice trust and faith in order for peace to reign over my life. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.....” Philippians 4:13 (NIV). Believe and practice...trust and obey!