What Puzzles Taught Me About Kingdom Living

Wisdom says that we must have rest and play to offset all the hard work and stress from our daily lives. This has been increasingly important as stress levels have exponentially increased due to the pandemic and other stressful world events.

We all must find a few ways to relax and fill our “emotional tanks” regularly. I love playing pickleball, but it is not always possible for me to get to the court to play. I love reading, but sometimes my brain needs a rest from its pondering. I have enjoyed paint by number kits or even simple word searches in the past. 

Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. 2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. Psalm 23:1-2 TPT

My newest simple relaxing delight has been digital puzzles on my tablet. I love the customization of selecting the number of pieces and the difficulty level. After some experimentation, I have found that 169 pieces without piece rotation serve my purposes well. I am not looking for a challenge since life is quite challenging enough, but I am looking for a relaxing activity that I can do for a few free minutes throughout my day or in the evenings that won’t be too time-consuming. 

I find that when we give Holy Spirit space to be with us in whatever we are doing, He will speak. I wasn’t surprised when I started to receive revelation as I relaxed with my puzzles. 

Like every good puzzle solver, I always begin with the border pieces to create a frame for my building. The border pieces are apparent, fewer in number, so they are easier to work with and provide structure. Holy Spirit has reminded me to start with the obvious, and He will bring further direction as necessary. Do what I know to do and wait for guidance on my next steps.

This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, his dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you! Ephesians 2:22 TPT

Once the border is complete, I begin looking for pieces that stand out in some unique way and indicate their placement in the picture. I focus on gathering similar pieces to see if their color and shapes will connect. It is so satisfying when pieces click together! Holy Spirit has reminded me to look at others with my spiritual eyes to see what stands out about them spiritually, often referred to as finding the gold in someone, and speak encouraging words to those areas. It is incredible how encouragement can help us all grow and see where we connect in the Body of Christ. 

Come and be his “living stones” who are continually being assembled into a sanctuary for God. For now you serve as holy priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices that he readily accepts through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 TPT

Finally, my favorite part of digital puzzles is that if you hover a piece over the area it belongs slow enough; the piece will jump into its spot and become immovable even if there are no pieces around it! What a satisfying feeling when that object locks firmly into place and I can continue to recreate the picture. Holy Spirit has reminded me that He is helping us find our place and next step. As long as we are willing to slow down and rely on Him, He will lead us to divine appointments with His pull if we are sensitive to Him.

More than ever, we must find life-giving rhythms that are sustainable and efficient in helping us navigate these turbulent yet exciting times from a Kingdom perspective. Now is the time to practice rising above our storms in faith before things get even more challenging. When we learn to maintain our peace or recover it quickly and be a conduit of God’s love to others, His children shine brightly, and He receives all the glory.

Copyright © 2022 Alison Lewis, A Secret Spring. All rights reserved.