Coming in out of the Wind by C. S. Lewis

I was looking back through my Quiet TIme journal notes from 2020 when I spotted this quote from C. S. Lewis:

“The real problem of the Christian life comes where people usually do not look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

What a comfort. What a wonderful reminder.

I didn’t post for months. At the same time, I wanted to continue to help people with technology. In 2020 and beyond, this need has grown as Covid changed the way we work and live. This tension and the growing list of things to do were overwhelming at times. The thoughts howled like a major storm, needing the quiet word of my Savior and Lord.

I struggled with what I could and couldn’t do. You also have a similar story, I’m sure.

Even now, I have a very busy week and health concerns (again).  Do I write today about how to manage? How to be productive?

No.

God is shaping me to rest in the arms of Christ to start my day and throughout my day. He will accomplish what concerns Him (Psalm 57:2; Psalm 138:8).

I stay attentive to opportunities He brings and focus on a few things each day. I trust that I will get done what he purposes for me. I don’t need to fuss and fret about what I didn’t do. I’m allowing myself to go slower.

What about you? Are you able to turn your day over to the Lord? Have you been able to shelter under His wings (see all of Psalm 61)? Have you come out of the wind?

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” – Mark 4:39 (ESV)

NOTES:

• C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), author, poet, Oxford and Cambridge professor, and Christian apologist.
  • You might be interested in another blog post I wrote: What C. S. Lewis Might Say About Covid-19.
• Photo by Nikolas Noonan on Unsplash