Time with God – Stephen Cowden

I was recently away with the family in London for the weekend to see round some of the landmarks and enjoy a west end show. We had a great time and of course particularly enjoyed visiting the Christmas shops in Harrods, John Lewis and Liberty. One thing that struck me was just how many people were walking round London with their heads buried in their mobile phones; Not paying any attention to the world around them and walking in to people because they weren’t looking. Interestingly, even my own teenagers commented on how bad it was. Then there was the escalators going in and out of the underground - people rushing past, so many people in such a hurry.

At the start of September, we had a week of prayer in our church. One of the stations that we focused in on with our BB boys used speed limit signs to help us think about how fast paced life can be. Sometimes it can feel like life is going so fast we have little or no control over it, and it can leave us feeling a bit helpless and anxious. It is so important in the fast paced life we all live and work in, to slow down at times, stop and look around us, and appreciate what we have. Those people in London were too busy and distracted that they were not appreciating the journey they were on and the many blessings around them.

We have a God who knows us and understands our circumstances. We have a God who promises to never leave us nor forsake us, even when things are really busy and tough (Deuteronomy 31:6) - we just need to remember to slow down, pause and remember he is with us, and us with him.

So I encourage you to take a few minutes to slow down, pause, reflect and pray:

Give thanks for your many blessings and that God knows and understands your circumstances.

Ask for help to remember that he will never leave you nor forsake you, even when things can be busy and tough.

Pray for people that you know who are feeling a little out of control of their own lives