Surpasses All Understanding

 In the craziness of this last week, I find it hard to experience that “peace that surpasses all understanding.” Watching all the hurricane clean-up in North Carolina, the fears and turmoil with Hurricane Milton, and the election rhetoric, I was ready for a quiet vacation on a remote island without internet access.

But as I started thinking about it, I didn’t need a vacation to a remote island… I needed God’s peace.

Sometimes, because we don’t understand the Bible, we give no thought to its meaning in our own lives. The Word of God is alive and active and has great meaning for us if we would only take time to read it. (Hebrews 4:12) Might it be wise for us to seek understanding through God’s Word? Consider this verse:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-8

I like the idea of having a peace that surpasses all understanding. All for it! That peace doesn’t come from something we concoct. The word surpass means: “exceed; to be greater than.” This kind of peace is greater than we can comprehend! I want that kind of peace, don’t you?

What would it mean if you and I had a peace that passes all understanding? It would mean that no matter what life throws at us, we can still have joy when we know that our victory lies in Jesus and not our circumstances. I think if we enjoyed a peace that surpasses all understanding we would exhibit a calmness of body, mind, and spirit that supersedes our circumstance. It’s not a natural peace, but a supernatural one.

It’s our circumstances that can destroy our peace. I tell you, when I focus on my circumstances and some of the challenges I face now, I can get discouraged. It’s in those moments of chaos that peace seems most elusive. My joy and peace will come and go, depending on the outcome of my circumstances. When I focus on Jesus and turn my worries to prayers, I can experience joy and peace, despite my circumstances.

This is a unique time in our lives. A lot is going on! The peace of God covers us like a warm cozy blanket when we stop worrying and instead pray about everything. Set your thoughts on Jesus and what He has done for you. In His presence, we find everything we need.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27

Take a listen: Peace (Bethel Music) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Even Though

It’s so incredibly heartbreaking to see the massive destruction and loss of life in North Carolina and other states. I’m so grateful for the many organizations going in to serve, rescue, provide resources, and bring hope and healing to many.

There are so many stories and more to come. This one had me in tears:

Megan Dryer, from NC, got her seven-year-old son, Micah, to the highest point of their house that she could, when things got dangerous. But once the house detached, they ran into powerlines and trees and knocked them off into the water. That’s when she and Micah went under. She could hear her parents (in their 70’s) screaming but lost sight of them. They were fighting for their lives. Micah couldn’t swim. The last thing she heard from Micah was “Jesus, please save me.” That’s when they separated in the water. They all got knocked into the water in different ways. She didn’t see them again. She continued to float down the water for 5 hours and finally got trapped in a tree. She was rescued. Her parents and son, Micah, perished.
Listen to Megan's story in its entirety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8IKat8FDME

I can’t imagine losing one’s son and just a few days later, sharing the story on TV. Unimaginable. We look at Megan’s story and all the stories and pictures that we’ve seen that leave us undone. So many unaccounted for. So many families who have lost everything. How in the world do we make sense of this? The word being used to describe all this suffering is apocalyptic.

How DO we make sense of it all? Jesus is not a distant and disconnected Savior when bad things come our way. Jesus shows up in the messes and madness of life. Jesus is present in the suffering. Jesus is present with those in pain. Jesus is present with those who are bringing help and hope to those hurting. We need more of Jesus in our suffering.

Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  This is how we should regard the dark times of our lives. Whatever is causing us to feel as if we’re walking in uncertainty, confusion, and peril, these are the dark times. We don’t have to fear, even though that may feel impossible. If we know Jesus, God has given us victory over every circumstance because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

In reading Psalm 23, we need to remember that we are the Lord’s sheep, and He is our shepherd. It’s a reminder that being his sheep means we fully need to depend upon Him. The Lord is our shepherd. He knows all things. We don’t understand all His ways. But He promises He will guide us through the dark valleys. He is WITH us and will NEVER leave us.

God’s promises are real…. even in this desperate time for so many. And for those who are watching this from afar.....As you hear the news, turn it into a prayer for those suffering. Pray for resources, help, hope, healing, and a pathway back to normalcy. As you hear of ways to give, give. (Samaritan’s Purse, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Red Cross, and Texans on Mission are a few ways to give.) May the Lord bring healing and hope to all who are suffering today.

When I don't know what to do or how to worship, I find this song comforting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJCV_2H9xD0

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Storms

Wouldn’t it be nice to live a storm-free life? We watched with horror this weekend as Hurricane Helene went through Florida and up the East Coast. How many Floridians and other states are just weary of hurricanes?  I can’t imagine how hard it must be to have a few days warning to pack up, leave one’s home, and drive away to safety, not knowing what will be left when you get home. Now, we learn that many couldn't drive away! Let's not stop praying for all those affected by Helene's effects. 

Other types of storms hit us out of left field too. A cancer diagnosis. Stress upon stress at work. Political divisiveness. A loss of a loved one. Betrayal from a friend. An unexpected life-changing illness. Sooner or later, we’re all hit with some type of storm.

Jesus knew about storms. He knew about calming the storm. Check out how he handled the storm in Mark 4:35-41-

“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? “They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

The disciples did what we often do! When things get tough around us, we turn to God and say “Don’t you care?” Jesus immediately got up, rebuked the wind, and told the waves to be still. Then, Jesus asked a question: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

God has promised to give us Himself and His peace. John 14:27 says “My peace I give you.” Then, in Isaiah 26:3 it says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.” The verse in Isaiah has been such a promise to me! He is ready to give me perfect peace as I keep my thoughts fixed on Him! Truly, what would it look like for you and me to have our thoughts fixed on Him throughout the day?

We sabotage our peace when we fixate our minds on all our storms. God’s peace is such a beautiful gift…. what keeps us from receiving this gift? Will we trust God when the waves go over the boat and we feel like we’re going to drown? Jesus does care. He cares more than you’ll know because He loves you so much. May You trust God in the storms that come your way.

“The Lord is near, don’t be anxious about anything. In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

Take a Listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjx1ehd5LhM

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Dueling Signs

While walking, I noticed Neighbor A had posted some political signs in their yard. The next day, I noticed that Neighbor B (who lived next to Neighbor A) had placed a political sign just inches away from Neighbor A’s sign, somewhat blocking it. As I walked by, I could feel the tension between these two houses. Neighbor A and Neighbor B had different political viewpoints. The next day, there was a rant on a neighborhood app to “share” one side of the tension between these two houses. This story seems to be a small microcosm of what’s happening around us

Perhaps the story of the “Dueling Signs” resonates with you? Haven’t you felt the tension of the political landscape escalating as we get closer to the election? We would like to turn a blind eye and act like it’s not going on, but it is. How do we navigate this tense season with a spirit of love and kindness toward one another?

The Bible tells us in Mark 12:31 “And the second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself.’ You will never find a greater commandment than these.”  So, does that mean we’re to love our conservative neighbor as ourselves? So, does that mean we’re to love our liberal neighbor as ourselves? Perhaps one of these questions gives you a bit of a nervous cringe effect.

In this season of political divide, we each have an opportunity to set an example of unity, respect, and love. If we know Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us, and He will give us the ability to show a different way. Our theme verse in the YMCA worldwide is John 17:21 “That they may be all one…that the world may believe.”  If we allow politics to divide and distract us with conflict, we miss the unity Jesus prays for. We miss glorifying God in our words and actions.

God calls us to Christian unity, but we must remember that doesn’t mean uniformity. We can and will always still disagree on many things. Yet, loving as Christ loves should transcend our disagreements. But couldn’t we disagree with love and respect? Could we stop the derogatory comments that spiral towards more negativity? Couldn’t we spend more time praying for our country and the election and praying for both candidates than worrying about the election? Could we seek to understand where others are coming from rather than cutting down their opinion and canceling them? Could we stop making snap judgments about people and realize that they’re beautiful people made in the image of God, no matter what their political views? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have loving others be more important than being right politically?

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

“Let love be your highest goal!” 1 Corinthians 14:1

Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAFMGRMhFsM

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Purpose

Do you know what your purpose is in life? If asked, what would be your first response? Would you be confident in your answer?

It’s a critical question for all of us to ponder. What am I supposed to do with my life? Why did God create me?

We often tie our purpose in life to the things that occupy most of our time. Parenting. Grandparenting. Working. Going to school. Retirement. Traveling. Yet, our purpose is the reason why we were created. Our calling is from God and focuses more on something specific.

I have been so impressed with CJ Stroud, Quarterback for the Houston Texans. I’m a Cowboy fan for life but have followed Stroud through his college play at The Ohio State University and now as a Texan. When interviewed, I loved how He referred to his relationship with Jesus. This past Sunday he said:

“Jesus laid His life on the cross for us- I really believe that. This is bigger than just football. Football is my platform. Spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ is my purpose.” Stroud’s life has not been so easy. His father, Coleridge Stroud III, received a 38-year-to-life sentence after pleading guilty to kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in connection with a drug-related incident. He’s been incarcerated since CJ was in middle school. It was this experience that helped Stroud develop a strong relationship with Christ. He did not have a privileged upbringing like many other quarterbacks.

You see, CJ Stroud’s purpose in life is to glorify God. His platform or calling is football. He understands that his platform is a blessing as well as a challenge. But he wants to give God glory through football.

You and I were made to glorify God. Genesis 1:27 says “So God created man in his own image, in the. Image of God he created him: male and female he created them.” We bear the image of God! How do we represent Him on this earth? Everything we say and do should point back to honor and glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That’s You. That’s me.

As you start this new day, you might ask yourself “How can my life point to God today?" It might be showing kindness to a workmate. Maybe, reaching out to an old friend. Offering prayer for someone who is hurting. Serve your adult children. Work as if you're working for the Lord.

At work? Honor God. At home with littles? Honor God. Volunteering? Honor God. Doing grunt work? Honor God. Serving aging parents? Honor God. Live in light of God’s purpose for your life.

Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd2we03Sy4I

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Dish Washing Practices

It seems like it would be a great security question: What was your first job? We can all remember what that was. My parents put me to work as soon as I was age-appropriate. I washed dishes at our local country club.

Even though washing dishes sounds quite boring, it wasn’t. We had a great staff at the country club and the kitchen ended up being a place of lots of laughter and fun. Yet, the bottom line, it was still washing dishes. I’m happy to have moved on, but I want to share about another dishwasher who used his time washing beautifully.

Brother Lawrence was born around 1611 and served as a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris. There’s not much known about his life. He served as a soldier and then after becoming injured, did various jobs. He became a follower of Christ at 18 and later in life, he worked in a monastery kitchen, doing dishes and other odd jobs. No one would have imagined that his humble man would become famous and known as “Brother Lawrence’ because of his book, “The Practice of the Presence of God.” This reminds me that we may not enjoy everything we do, but with the help of God, we can do it with joy and Jesus' presence!

The publishers of his book wrote, “He showed us how, at any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks God may find Him, and the practice the presence of God.” To be noted, Brother Lawrence didn’t have a natural great aversion to washing dishes. Yet, at this point in his life. He accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for his grace to do his work well, he had found everything easy, during 15 years that he had been employed there. (page, 20, The Practice of the Presence of God)

I think most who know about Brother Lawrence would love to model his life with God. He loved God and simply wanted to pour his attention on Him. He would say “Let him think of God the most he can.” He saw this as a holy exercise to practice.  

What does this mean for each of us as we go about our busy lives? 

1. What might an intimate walk with God look like for you?
2. How could practicing the presence of God help you as you work or volunteer?
3. What would practicing an ongoing conversation with God look like for you?
4. Do you desire to please God in your actions, words, and thoughts?
5. Can you pray to God in those moments that might feel so boring?

It starts with knowing Jesus as our Savior. God longs for us to enjoy a rich relationship with Him! For me, I believe that God longs for me to interact with Him throughout the day. Talking, listening, and being in His presence are possible for each of us too!

“The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen… I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.” Brother Lawrence

Take a listen: Draw Me Close: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Rl9Fw23u4

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. 

Thinking About our Thoughts

I was in a bit of conflict with my thoughts at the YMCA Spinning class this morning. The song blasting out was “Everything is Awesome.” I didn’t feel so awesome at the time. At the same time, our instructor yelled, "Get out of your comfort zone! Go faster! Push it!”  I thought I was already out of my comfort zone!

Every one of us is constantly thinking. Sometimes positive thoughts. Sometimes negative thoughts.  We’ve got thoughts swirling around our hearts that often, we can’t even control. What do we do with our thoughts?

Some experts estimate that we humans have around 70,000 thoughts a day. Some say that 75% of these thoughts are negative and 95% are repetitive. Ouch. These thoughts often pop up due to stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, or big changes in your life or body.

Why not check your thoughts right now? Time yourself. Take the next two minutes. Notice every time you think about something and put a slash. How many thoughts did you have in those two minutes? Were they positive or negative?

Our society around us urges us to conform to the world's standards. Toxic thinking. Judging others. Comparing. Participating in political vitriol. Placing value on what we drive, our homes, and what we wear. Have you seen the effects of social media on our thought lives? The more we immerse ourselves in it, the lonelier and more depressed we can become. Every thought and focus can have a consequence.

Oh, how we could all benefit from transforming our thought lives! Listen to J.B. Phillips's version of Romans 12:1-2:

“With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands, and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”

We weren’t made to be molded into the ways of society. But so often, we are! Yet, God wants to help us with our thinking. Our God wants to help us rewire our thoughts. As we ask Him, He will help us create a new way of thinking.

We can get so disturbed in our lives! What immediate matters are pressing in on you today? Jesus invites you to consider Him. Present your bodies to God. Give Him Your worries, fears, and anxieties. God wants you, not just your work. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Consider this question when thinking about your thinking: “What is true here? What does God’s Word say?” (Enduring Word, Romans 12:1-2) Think about your thinking. May we enjoy God's peace today and every day.

Take a listen: Still My Mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpqaIU2vzhc

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.