LEANING INTO THE SURGE Philippians 3
Eugene Peterson paraphrased Romans 15:13 by writing “And the whole plan of redemption is suited to reconcile us to one another, as well as to our gracious God, so that an abiding hope of eternal life, through the sanctifying and comforting power of the Holy Spirit, may be attained. Our own power will never reach this; therefore where this hope is, and is abounding, the blessed Spirit must have all the glory. "All joy and peace;" all sorts of true joy and peace, so as to suppress doubts and fears, through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.”
I love his paraphrase. It reminds me that when life, like a flash flood, becomes a force to be reckoned with, that sudden surge of water can sweep us off our feet. Life has the power to challenge and overwhelm us. However, in order to survive and thrive amidst the chaos, it is crucial to lean into the surge. This can be achieved through three key aspects: lifestyle, life-purpose, and life-hope.
First, lean into lifestyle, because it plays a significant role in navigating the unpredictability of life. Just as one prepares for a flood by building sturdy foundations and creating escape routes, it is important to establish a balanced and resilient lifestyle. This includes prioritizing physical and mental well-being, maintaining healthy relationships, and pursuing meaningful activities. By adopting a lifestyle that promotes self-care and personal growth, we equip ourselves with the strength and resilience necessary to withstand life's challenges.
Second, leaning into a clear life-purpose can provide us with direction and motivation when faced with adversity. Just as a flood can cause destruction if there is no clear path to direct its flow, a lack of purpose can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. Discovering and embracing our passions, values, and goals gives us a sense of purpose and a reason to persevere during difficult times. Whether it is a career, a cause, or personal growth, having a life-purpose acts as an anchor, guiding us through the tumultuous waters of life.
Last, lean into life-hope! This is an essential component of navigating the dangers of life. Just as a flash flood can cause devastation, it can also bring about renewal and growth. Similarly, even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope. Cultivating a mindset of optimism and resilience allows us to see beyond the immediate challenges and envision a brighter future. By maintaining hope, we are able to find the strength to keep moving forward, even when the currents of life threaten to overwhelm us.
So, life can indeed be dangerous, much like a flash flood that has the power to sweep us off our feet. However, by leaning into life’s challenges or into the cultural surges, we can not only survive but also thrive amidst the chaos. This requires us to embrace a balanced and resilient lifestyle, discover and pursue our life-purpose, and maintain a sense of hope even in the face of adversity. Just as a flood can reshape the landscape, the challenges and trials of life have the potential to shape us into stronger, wiser individuals. So, let us embrace the surges of the culture and navigate them with grace and resilience, knowing that it will bring about the power to transform us for the better.