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Flow in Jesus

Have you ever been doing something, it can be anything, and you became so completely immersed in the activity that you lost track of time? People may have been talking to you and you didn't hear them. Things around you grew dim and your mind, body, and full intent was set upon the task at hand.


What is that for you?


It could be listening to music, singing worship with your eyes closed and heart open. For some it can be simple tasks like washing dishes, fishing, or working in a garden. There are those, like myself, who can fully lose themselves in a good workout. Think about what that is for you. How do you feel when you're in that state of mind/being?


Flow is described in positive psychology as a state of mind in which one is "completely involved in an activity for its own sake." This definition comes from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He goes on to describe it saying "the ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."


I'm certainly no psychologist, but I have been known to wax philosophical now and then. I've recently put myself in the way of learning more about mindset which has lately come in the form of Instagram and podcasts. One recent podcast I heard was discussing joy in the midst of process. We are all in process and this can be applied to almost any area of our lives. They also discussed the state of flow and how you can only stay in flow if you're undistracted.


What distracts you?


I'm sure you have a running list that you can bring up immediately when I ask you this question. Unlike the previous question, which can be a little harder for us to define.


Now let's consider this in the context of your relationship with Jesus Christ. Can you think of a time when you allowed yourself the space to lose yourself in His presence? Flow can happen in your prayer time when you're in a place of surrender and trust with your creator. Flow can occur when you're reading scripture and soaking it all in. It can be your state of mind when you are open to biblical teaching, when you trust the person sharing. Flow can also happen when you're surrounded by a group of people who are all worshipping God in the same way; often times singing the same song. For most of us, this is the most relatable moment. Perhaps you raised your hands, let down your guard, and maybe even cried tears of surrender to the beauty of the glory of God in that moment. I call it the sweet spot. I see it as flow in Jesus.


When I hear about flow I can't help but think about a wilderness ministry trip. Personally, hiking is a quick way for me to get into a state of flow. Add the effect of being surrounded by like minded people in a safe and supportive community magnifies it. We are a people with a common goal. We walk together, commune with God and each other in an undefiled space free from distraction. Together in the wilderness we seek to submit our lives to Jesus.


This is wilderness ministry.


 
 
 

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