Safe Haven

Let me remind you of this simple truth: following Jesus isn’t rocket science. We know that—but when life starts hitting us from every direction, we can lose sight of the One who holds it all together. We spiral into our thoughts, our ways of thinking, and our patterns of behavior, slipping right back into the things He saved us from.

Thank You, Jesus, that we are being sanctified daily—but it is a process. This is what I believe is the good fight of faith: continually being renewed in the truth of who we are in Christ. Taking Him at His word and believing Him for who He says He is.

This is definitely something I’m continually challenged in, but I’ve found a lot of peace in asking myself one simple question:

What is God saying today?

Not “What did He say yesterday?” Not “What is He saying two weeks or six months from now?” But—what is He saying today?

When we look at Scripture, we clearly see that all He asks of us is to:

1. Love Him
2. Love others

Circumstances aside, ask yourself: How can I love God today? How can I love those around me?

Reading the Word, listening to worship, spending time in creation, journaling, serving others, and being in community—all of these help us slow down and receive what God is saying. They create space and give us perspective so we can be present.

I’ve learned that when I’m in an unhealthy place, I struggle to be present—especially when I’m worrying about the future. I strive, I try to control, I want to understand. I’m sure many of you can relate. I overanalyze, try to figure everything out, and search for reasons why I feel—or don’t feel—certain things.

It’s exhausting.

That’s a hamster wheel Jesus never asked me to get on. In fact, He said:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

It really is simple obedience that pleases the heart of God. It’s an active pursuit of the One who never stopped pursuing us. It’s not a perfect pursuit—Jesus didn’t die so we could be perfect. He died so we could know the Father, and so His love could be perfected in us. So we could spend eternity with the One our souls were made for.

He’s looking for those who are willing—one small “yes” after another.

So just relax. Take a deep breath. His mercies are new every morning, and His grace is sufficient in our weakness. It has always been about becoming more dependent, not more independent.

The gospel is simple. It is our inheritance:

Love God. Love people. Repeat.

-hav