Thoughts for the Day

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Sometimes I struggle to get a decent Wi-Fi connection for my phone or kindle in the room where I do most of my work, which can be a pit of a pain. In certain places it cuts out completely as when I transfer my phone from one ear to the other while sitting in a particular chair. Recently in Scotland the family seemed to spend a lot of the time standing near windows of the ancient castle to get a signal, which was intermittent to say the least. All of this has made me appreciate the need for steady, reliable, connections for our technology. If the signal is poor the equipment won't work.

In today's reading from John's Gospel we see Jesus continuing his last conversation with his disciples before he goes to his death. He has promised them lasting happiness and a joy that is better than any short-lived pleasure if they obey his commandments. He is not talking of the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses (Exodus 20.1-17), but of his reinterpretation of them - to love God, and your neighbour as yourself (Mark 12.30-31).

Our world is often one of turmoil and uncertainty and the promise of complete joy appeals to our human longing for permanent happiness. Jesus says we will find this when we form a deep relationship with Him, who is our Saviour. Think of God's love as a steady Wi-Fi signal in your life. Staying connected is what matters - through conversation with Him (prayer), learning about Him (these 'Thoughts', or reading the Bible), and showing kindness to others - these are your login details. Now ask yourself, in the busyness of each day, will you invest the time to deepen your connection? Are you ready to upgrade your signal strength with God and fully experience His love and joy?

Father God,
we know in our heart that we are loved by You,
and that You are always there,
ready to rescue us,
but in the busyness of each day
we can forget You.
Help us to invest more in our connection with You,
and to upgrade our 'signal strength'.
May we fully commit to You -
abiding in Your love
and receiving Your joy.
Amen.