Be Relaxed and Watchful
Be on watchful; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
What are the advantages of being watchful? How does being watchful affect our thinking, our emotions, our patience, and our efficiency? We are talking about watchful so we can be relaxed and peaceful inside even while the world around us may be chaotic.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We are alert or watchful, listening to the Spirit and readily aware when Satan is attacking us through people or our thoughts. If we are relaxed, aiding our ability to think deeply, we can be in tune with the Spirit who gives us the wisdom and strength to overcome sinful temptations. Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). There is great comfort that comes from being still inside and being connected to the Lord.
What is the process that leads to making us more watchful, relaxed, and still inside? For me it started about seven years ago when the Lord put on my heart to take the time to see the world around me, to see people closely and often say a short prayer for that person. I thought this would be very difficult and emotionally draining, however just the opposite was true. I found this slowed me down, giving me stillness inside as I begin to see people through the eyes of God. This was especially true in my Bible classes where I look closely at those in the class and ask the Spirit to guide my words. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13) From this verse we can see it is our advantage to be still, to be watchful, and guided by the Spirit.
Training ourselves to be tentative of other people and the ability to be still and focus, will relax and greatly increase our patience. And we cannot image what life can like with perfect patience, but we can experience a more relaxing and peaceful life with every increase in patience. I say this based on my own experience of training and praying to be still inside, to be tentative of others with more patience. If fact this increase in patience and relaxed state of mind has greatly decreased by blood pressure.
Today take time to be watchful of others and to encourage those who seem tense or upset. Seek to be still inside and be aware of any opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and compassion. Be patience in this process and you will find it will become relaxing and peaceful.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be watchful and see the world and others through your eyes. Guide me through the Spirit to take every opportunity to bring Christ’s love and compassion to others. Please don’t let me walk by someone who has a heart to know you. In Jesus name, Amen