Dear Friends,
I write to you at a time when there is a growing concern for the well-being of people as they attempt to cope with the current situation.
If you have been watching I’m a celebrity, get me out of here you will be aware of the phrase ‘Happy Place’ being referred to frequently.
One of the contestants facing a difficult trial involving snakes kept trying to reassure himself that he could cope, came up with the strategy of keep repeating to himself ‘Happy Place’. He used the technique of remembering the home ground of his favourite football team, which helped him to think of a comfortable, secure place he liked, rather than concentrating wholly on what he was going through at that precise time.
His trial has finished but the phrase ‘Happy Place’ is being used by his campmates as a reminder of the need to find a way of coping. It got me thinking about what is my ‘Happy Place’, where do I turn to when I need reassurance and comfort. By a God incidence I read yesterday a piece about 1 Timothy 3: 14-16
1 Timothy 3:14-16 14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
Admittingly, it is not as snappy as ‘Happy Place’ but verse 16 is my happy place. Paul declares the ‘mystery of our faith’ in six simple phrases. When I studied them, I felt so much better. Amongst the frustration of all that is going on I was able to return to the basic tenet of my faith. My hope lies in God’s wonderful provision of allowing us to know him through all that Jesus (his son, our Lord and Saviour) has accomplished in order that we might have a sense of well-being.
The person who wrote the article said: “Mind you, when he (Paul) writes that the mystery is great, he means it is great in terms of far exceeding human understanding. So the good news is both simple and profound, both easy to grasp and unfathomable in its wonder. Amazing isn’t it?
As a Christian I am not exempt from the trouble and strife we encounter as I live out my life here on earth. I am thankful that through Bible study, prayer, and experience I have the opportunity to be in a ‘Happy Place’ which gives me a real sense of well-being. Actually instead of thinking of my ‘Happy Place’ I am going to refer to it as my ‘Amazing Place’
I hope and pray that you are coping with the current situation with all its difficulties. I also hope and pray that you have an ‘Amazing Place’ to go to.
God Bless
Doug