Avoiding Death by Suburb

Avoiding Death by Suburb

May 23, 2016
Jeff Lampl

How can I keep the suburbs from killing my Soul?

Read Philippians 1:1-8    (click on the passage and the scripture will appear)

You're not in prison as Paul was when he wrote the words you just read, but you're probably overwhelmed with little if any time to think or rest. It's up early, get stuff done, handle work, family, chores, collapse in bed and then do it all over again tomorrow. That's your prison. You need what Paul had, time. You need to take it. Be ruthless about it.

So, yes, you need time.   But for what?  “Time for myself” is overrated I think.  Paul found time for others, to think about and then express his gratitude for them, his love for them and his faith that God was at work in their lives.   How much of your week is spent in thinking about and speaking to others in this way?

Perhaps we could get up a little earlier, eat more slowly, walk more slowly so that you can notice people, talk to them and even listen to what they say. Reflect on those conversations and thank God for those people, even the difficult ones. Verse 6 tells us that God has started a work not only in your but also in the people in your life. Believe that and believe God will complete that work.

When you have some moments to rest, don't spend them all on your cell phone, facebook, or TV. Practice fasting from those things at least part of each day. Find just two minutes of silence and solitude to be with God sometime during your day. Don't expect your time with God to feel spiritual. Just do it and God will be there. Practice being where you are, all there, with whomever you encounter.   Using today’s verse write a simple hand-written note to someone who needs God inspired encouragement. 

Finally, imagine a person who is important to you saying this with conviction. . . . .

“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”   Philippians 1:6 (MSG)

Follow on Twitter @jefflampl