Mushrooms on moss – how gorgeous!
When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say. Luke 12:11-12
I used to believe this passage meant that when I was in a situation of great stress and difficulty, God would give me the perfect thing to say in a moment of divine inspiration. This, however, has not been my experience. When I feel under pressure, my mind goes entirely blank and I have absolutely nothing to say.
My evolving understanding of how God and I coexist gives me another way to understand this passage. I find I am most receptive to God when I am still and quiet, seeking that place of inner peace where the Holy Spirit dwells, or when I am on a walk in the forest or cycling somewhere (if I can stop ruminating over my never-ending to-do list and let my mind wander). At such times I am more able to tap into my God-given creativity; if I want the Holy Spirit to teach me what I ought to say, then I need to find a way to return to that place of inner connection, even when I am out and about in stressful situations.
I had a small example of that the other week. I took what was, for me, the bold step of agreeing to facilitate a peer-support group; this was the first time I had ever done anything quite like this and there were a lot of unknowns. At various points during the meeting, I felt myself becoming tense in my body and stressed in my mind about how best to respond – but I managed to catch myself doing it, so relaxed my body, took a few deep breaths and waited. The Holy Spirit did teach me what I ought to say, and it turned out that was very little, as the group pretty much ran itself 🤣.
Breathe.
