Their world felt uneasy. The normal pace and cadence of their lives were replaced with furtive looks and anguished disbelief mixed with panicked wonderment. Everything seemed to have changed in an instant without warning, and now, there was no telling when it would return to the familiar and constant. Does this description sound like your world today?
This is the description of the City of Jerusalem during the Week of Passover when Jesus the Christ was presented as the Passover Lamb. Those who were Christ-followers were shaking their heads in disbelief wondering, “Was this same man who performed miracles right before our eyes who now, seemingly unrecognizable, is standing before us as in complete vulnerability?”
Despite the uncertainty of the world around him, the man they believed to be the Son of God, stepped forth with complete frailty while simultaneously grounded in the truth of Amen.
The answer thousands of years ago, is still the same today. What Is The Answer?
Dictionary.com defines Amen to mean ‘it is so’ or ‘so it is’.The answer is Amen. What? Yes, the answer is Amen!
Amen is derived from the Hebrew āmēn, which means ‘certainty,’ ‘truth,’ and ‘verily.’ In English, the word has two primary pronunciations: ah-men or ay-men.
Amen can be viewed with a lens of futile acknowledgement and surrender. It can also be felt as a resounding affirmation and proclamation of transition from being a victim of our circumstances to becoming the architects of our futures.
A: Acknowledge the breath of life in you is Divine
Breath is the direct connection of the Divine. God’s exhale was our first inhale. In the Book of Genesis, the story of life and the creation of human existence comes through breath, “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the earth. He blew into his mouth the breath of life, and man became a living being.” (Genesis: 2:7)
Breath is life. Life is breath. As we inhale deeply from the bottom of our lungs to the top, we receive life. As we exhale, we release and let go. We breathe unconsciously just as our hearts beat without consciousness. It is the cycle of life like the tides gently rolling to meet the seashore in an effortless rhythm.
Join me. Take a breath now. Inhale, deeply filling the bottom of the belly and allowing the breath to gently come to the very top of your lungs. When the natural urge of the body is to exhale, allow it gently leave your body. Feel a sense of comfort coming over you.
M: Meditate on What is GOoD
Psalms 46:10 (New International Version) - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
It is in the stillness that we replenish ourselves. It is our next breath. It is where we consciously live in the possibility of what can be. Stillness is the rest for our weary wanderings and incessant racing pace while running in place.
It is scientifically proven that gratitude has a positive mental and physiological on our bodies. Think of something right now that makes you happy – something that brings a smile to your face. You may want to close your eyes and think of a time of joy. What were the colors? Were there people present with you? What were the smells? Where were the sounds? Allow yourself to rest in something good . . . . right now.
E: Experience the Promise of Peace that Passes Understanding
Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version) - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of the Universe is promised to those who pray. Prayer, in its most simple form, can be one word, “Amen.” It is the attitude of the heart, mind and spirit. It is the belief and internal knowing that the Universe truly does have my back. “Hindsight is 20-20” is a perfect analogy. We find ourselves in the year 2020 with the impact of COVID-19 materializing in every aspect of our lives. As I look back on the steps of my journey so far, I see the promise and experience of peace in every season and storm of life. With my hands raised in thankful acknowledgement of surrender, I rest in knowing that I don’t know what the future holds, and I do know who holds the future.
N: Nurture Ourselves With Spirit-Guided Truths
Just like a balanced healthy diet is important for our physical body, the Fruit of the Spirit is the outward quality of mind, body and soul nourishment.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version) – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “
You deserve to be loved. First, loved by yourself, and then by others. You are complete. You are whole. You are loved. Extend yourself the same grace and love that you would to someone you love.
My prayer for our world this Easter and every day, with every breath, is Amen.
