Pastoral Letters

New Found Strength

December 17, 2017 Author:Elder Liu Kerh Li
During the month of December, part of the MRT line was shut down for 2 days in order to hasten the work of upgrading the signalling system. Although this upgrading has brought about many inconveniences to the general public, it’s a necessary move to achieving a more reliable train system. Hence, we are happy to put up with the hassle. Due to the total shutdown, engineers have more me to troubleshoot the system as compared to the time they were given when the stations were in full function. Isn’t it the same for our lives? Maybe we too, should have a “time-out” to what we are doing, when we are trying to handle a hundred things at the same time, to rest our souls, and focus on things that are being neglected due to our busy schedules. It could be matters like re-evaluating our direction in life, spending time building up our relationship with our loved one, or even identifying any knowledge gap in order to improve ourselves in work or in life. These “time-out” or rest could have spiritual value to us as Christians too.

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.  Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest”” (Matthew 6:30-31). The apostles have just completed what Jesus told them to do, and come back to Him from all directions. Jesus then motions to them to leave the crowd, so that they can have a good rest. Jesus also hopes to have some quiet time with his disciples.  The fact is that resting does not equate to laziness, slacking or even being irresponsible. God would very much want us to rest and spent a quiet time with Him.

Many of us would plan vacations during the year-end school holidays to relax ourselves. The benefit of going on a family trip together is that it will help strengthen the family unit. Dining, playing, shopping, visiting beautiful places, making happy memories together as a family is a good thing. During these times of fun and enjoyment, we must also have a thankful heart, as well as our dependence towards God. When we come across a beautiful scene, be thankful for God’s wonderful creation; when we meet kind people along the way, be thankful to God for a beautiful experience; even when something bad happens during the trip, pray for dependence on God to face them. Hence, you will find meaning in your vacation in your experience with God.

Our “time-out” doesn’t have to mean taking a vacation. Going on a trip is just an activity. In fact, some find that they feel even more tired after their vacation, and need more time to recuperate when they came home. Real “time-out” is to rest in God. “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 in your souls for my yoke is easy and mu burden is light” (Matthew 11: 28-30). We need to spend more time to be close to God. During these times, reflect on what you have done for the year, your inter-personal relationship, spiritual growth and thirst, and enthusiasm for God. Have we been carrying our own heavy burden all this while? Do we feel tired and helpless because we have excluded God in our livelong plan? How could we go through the year 2018, in order to make the most out of it? Do consider making some goals for your spiritual growth, like, establishing a routine for daily quiet time, praying for a member of the church each day, making time for cell group meetings every month, sharing the gospel with someone, etc.

We have two more weeks before we bid goodbye to 2017. May we all have a good rest, and forge on with the strength of God in the new year!