Category: Synopsis

Finding Emotional Balance in a Broken World

2023-06-10 / Brent / 0 Comments

Emotional Balance in a Fallen World: Seeking Equilibrium

In this article, I examine the concept of emotional balance in a fallen world and emphasize the importance of equilibrium for optimal mental health. I begin by recognizing that sadness is a natural part of life and explain how our free will in a broken world leads to sorrowful experiences. Using an Arabic axiom about the weather, I emphasize the importance of balancing sunshine and rain to appreciate life’s fullness.

The Significance of Balancing Sunshine and Rain: Appreciating Life’s Fullness

Despite the initial appeal of positivity, the article then delves into the significance of avoiding positive feedback loops. I use the biblical character Elijah to demonstrate how isolation and self-focus can reinforce negative emotions. On the other hand, God intervenes by reminding Elijah that he is not alone, thereby introducing a negative feedback loop and assisting him in overcoming his loneliness.

Breaking the Cycle: Avoiding Positive Feedback Loops

I conclude by emphasizing the importance of seeking help from others when facing adversity. While solitude is necessary for personal reflection, disconnecting from fellow believers can exacerbate anxieties. Instead, I encourage readers to focus on others, following Jesus’ teachings and cultivating community.

Seeking Help in Adversity: Embracing Community Support

Finally, the article encourages readers to maintain emotional balance in the face of life’s challenges and to view adversity as an opportunity to grow and enrich their lives with the help of others.

If you would like to read this article in its entirety, please visit Preacher Pollard’s blog by clicking the link above. This article was my third post there in January 2020. I add new content there each Friday. Please visit Preacher Pollard’s Blog for more.

The Power of Stillness: Trusting in God’s Providence Amid Life’s Struggles

2023-06-10 / Brent / 0 Comments

Exploring Spiritual Stillness in Christianity

In this article from 2020, I explore the spiritual concept of stillness, which I base on Christian teachings. Psalm 46.10a is my foundation: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I contend that we discover God in the stillness of our hearts, not in our anxious minds. I go on to say that in the biblical context, there are times when we’re supposed to act, such as when the Israelites faced Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea, and other times when we’re supposed to be still and trust in God’s Providence.

Navigating Life’s Trials and Embracing Surrender

I delve into “stillness,” implying that it entails surrender or “dropping our arms” amid struggle or resistance. Consider the emotional and spiritual journey following a cancer diagnosis, from anger and grief to surrendering to God’s will, reinforcing that His grace is sufficient for all trials. I advocate prayer as a source of comfort and a remedy for anxiety.

Understanding God’s Subtle Providence

I go into more detail about God’s Providence, explaining that it doesn’t always involve apparent miracles but often works subtly through natural processes like our immune system. It’s like a domino effect that reveals God’s grand plan, which we can see if we practice stillness.

Cultivating Wisdom through Prayer and Faithfulness

Finally, I encourage my readers to cultivate wisdom about when to act and be still through prayer, live faithfully, and entrust the outcomes of their lives to God’s will.

If you would like to read this article in its entirety, please visit Preacher Pollard’s blog by clicking the link above. This article was my second post there in January 2020. I add new content there each Friday. Please visit Preacher Pollard’s Blog for more.

Finding Strength in Adversity: Lessons for Life’s Challenges

2023-06-06 / Brent / 0 Comments

This is a synopsis of “Lessons From Adversity: An Introduction.” The original article is here.

Synopsis: In the face of life’s challenges, this article delves into the universal theme of surrendering control and embracing divine guidance. I examine the transformative power of abandoning one’s plans and trusting in a higher power through the lens of my experiences and scriptural references.

Embracing the Celestial Yoke: Surrendering Control to Divine Guidance

With a focus on humility, the article emphasizes Jesus’ invitation to accept a celestial yoke, which represents surrendering personal control and accepting God’s guidance (Matthew 11.28–30). I note the importance of distinguishing between self-control, which governs passions, and the recognition that making plans without taking divine will into account is an act of hubris (James 4.13–15). The well-known adage “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry” poignantly illustrates the frailty of human foresight.

Balancing Surrender and Responsibility: Navigating Life’s Delicate Equilibrium

In the article, I emphasize the balance between surrender and personal responsibility, stressing the importance of fulfilling personal obligations while recognizing God’s ultimate authority. Finally, I consider the larger scope of God’s plan, including the intricate realm of politics and the inevitability of death, which reminds us of our finite existence (Daniel 2.21; Acts 1.6-7; Romans 13.1; Hebrews 9.27).

Solomon’s Timeless Wisdom: Fearing God and Keeping His Commandments

The article concludes with the timeless wisdom to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12.13–14 NASB), drawing inspiration from Solomon’s wise words. Finally, let go of the illusion of control and trust divine guidance. Recognize that aligning your life with a higher purpose established by a higher power can lead to true solace and wisdom.

Letting Go and Letting God: Finding Solace in Surrender

This article offers a compelling perspective on the transformative power of surrendering to divine guidance in a world that often demands control and self-reliance, inviting readers to embark on a journey of faith, humility, and a deeper understanding of their place in life’s grand design.

Visit Preacher Pollard’s Blog for More!

If you would like to read this article in its entirety, please visit Preacher Pollard’s blog by clicking the link above. This was my inaugural post there in January of 2020. I add new content there each Friday. Please visit Preacher Pollard’s Blog for more.