not content
with the state of
our Intimacy
an inability to
receive more
always much more than
we can process
the Spirit strips us of
our false securities
whatever is not
God Alone-
props for a
self-sufficiency
unfounded in reality-
through perfectly
tailored trials
storms that rage
ripping away
treasured stabilities
one at a time but
sometimes
all at once
leaving us disoriented
feeling alone and abandoned
by a faith depersonalized and
stretched beyond capacity
causing us to yearn for a
relief that doesn't come on
our terms
neatly protected
under our tight control
we resist this
tearing away of
self's enthronement
without the light of
clear vision or the
strength of our previous
self-confidence
tribulations reveal
our hidden sins
now front and center-
rebellious anger
envy/jealousy
fear / mistrust
self-pity
self-centeredness
self-reliance
self-will
pride that hides
our weaknesses
seeking comfort in the
flesh not the Lord
but a new way is proposed...
dependency
because there is
nothing else
a new-found trust
not tasted or touched
but only sensed
faintly
not all at once
but partially as
we seek Him
faithfully
day by day
yielding our desires
letting go of
knowing better than
Infinite Wisdom
we learn
unsought lessons
necessary for holiness
a poverty of spirit
to begin with
producing a tiny opening to
receive a river of
Power from above
rooted in a Love
stripped of everything
but the Cross
the prime example of
patient endurance
the sufficiency of Grace in
courageous surrender
bearing a Peace and Joy that
supasses understanding
born through
the process of
denudation
Reflection/Discussion:
-What is denudation?
-Why does this happen?
-Is this "normal" in the Christian Life? Why/not?
-What is "poverty of spirit"?
-Do you hide your true self? Why? How can that change?
-How can we support one another through this?
-How should we handle this when it happens?
-What is "courageous surrender"?
