Stay Connected

Today’s message was written by Guest Pastor, Rev. Andy Odom. 

I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. (Exodus 6:7)

The day before yesterday, I shared with you three spiritual disciplines I have learned to try to practice when I become anxious about something. They are: get clear, keep calm, and stay connected. I have already talked about getting clear and keeping calm, so today I want to talk about staying connected.

Typically, when someone does something that makes us uncomfortable or anxious, the first thing we want to do is disconnect. This is especially true when we start to get into a disagreement with someone else about politics or controversial issues. Our tendency is to want to stop talking to that person.

But, instead of just cutting them off, what if we instead worked on how we can stay connected. One of the ongoing promises God continues to make throughout all of scripture is the promise to be with us and stay with us. “You will be my people, and I will be your God.” No matter what, God stays connected. Jesus does the same. All through his ministry, he stays connected. When people disagree with him, he states who he is, but he stays connected. It is a calling for us to try to do the same.

So, when I get anxious and want to disconnect, I ask myself if this is one of those times when I might creatively find a way to remain connected instead.

Prayer: Dear God, staying connected with others is not always easy, but it is part of what you call us to do. Help us stay connected when we can. Give us clarity about who we are and a sense of calm so we can stay connected with others even when it is hard, through Christ we pray. Amen.