I read a ‘seed’ this morning that talks about the comparison between focusing on God and focusing on ourselves. It mentioned St Augustine’s idea of the ‘City of God’ which is compared to the ‘City of Self’.
In this era we seem to be very focused on our health both mentally and physically. There are so many organisations offering support of various kinds intended to help you; as an example: ‘holistic therapies’, so that we have the the ‘feel good factor’, and ‘mindfulness’, so that we live in the moment and focus in on ourselves to create a happier mental state of health. All of this leads to an indwelling of the City of Self. We think we are making ourselves better but in fact we are drawing more and more away from the City of God.
Dwelling in the City of God on the other hand enables us to focus on God and others rather than ourselves. This would lead to a much better state of mind and put into perspective the amount of time we think too much about our personal health and happiness.
It isn’t easy to remain in the City of God: it needs time spent in prayer with God and a dedication to redirecting our thoughts when we keep going over problems we are facing or past failures. Staying with God protects us from our minds controlling our happiness and sending us into spirals of depression and hopelessness. No matter what is in our past or what is worrying us in the present or about the future, God is in all of it with us, ready to forgive us, heal us and help us deal with the lives we are facing.
God bless you and may you go to him for comfort,
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Widows Mote 