CAP Suffolk Coastal Debt Centre. Tis the Season to be Busy or Rest?

How often have you asked someone how they are and the response is ‘busy’? This time of year can be especially busy and like most of you our Debt Centre is no exception to this busyness. We have seen a huge increase in referals and are now booking up into January 2021. Hampers are still going out to our new Clients, Newsletters written, Posterers posted, Cards Sent, Plans being made for the New Year. In all this busyness it is important we all find time to rest. This may mean actively blocking space in our busy schedules.

This Christmas time take time to rest a little, be still, ponder and pray, hear what the Holy Spirit has to say.

For Christ was born to save but also to show us how to live. Jesus taught his disciples the importance of rest. When the disciples had come back from being out to minister on their own, he took them away in a boat. Mark 6:31 ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.’

Jesus also promised rest. A different kind of rest. 

Matthew11: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’

Please pray that our clients may find rest this Christmas. Rest from worrying about debts. Rest from fear of not Santa but Enforcement Agents knocking at thier door. Rest from trying to keep up with the world of consumerism and having to have it all to have a good Christmas.

May we too seek that rest.

Now if only it was that simple you say. Here are some CAP tips to help:

Plan it. If you don’t, it won’t happen or it’s unlikely to be a regular feature. 

Start small, set your alarm 10 minutes before the family stirs, 5-10 minutes in the morning praying and being still. Or if this is not possible with young children, 5-10 minutes before bed.

Do some journalling or find other ways to lay down what’s on your mind. Spend some time reflecting on who God is, what he’s done, how he’s provided, and how he loves you.

Spend some time in worship (and that doesn’t have to mean singing). Download or Play your favourite Hymn, Song or Carol.

Go for a walk in Nature, God’s Cathedral. Absorb the light and listen to the birds. Praise God for His Creation.

In the busyness of Christmas I pray we all find some rest too. If you are worried, weary and weighed down by debt please call Christians Against Poverty on our Freephone Number 0800 328 0006, resting in the knowledge that we at CAP are here to help you through this dark and busy time, to bring you into the light of burdens lifted and the knowledge of Gods love for you.

with love and Blessings.

Karen Storer

CAP, Suffolk Coastal Debt Centre Manager.