In a recent lectionary reading from Exodus 3 there is the account of Moses encountering God at the burning bush which was not consumed. There is much that can be applied to our lives from this biblical reading. The spiritual formation Bible has this to say about burning bushes:
"The burning bush can be seen as a metaphor for all creation -- it is afire with God. This story illustrates that any place can become a meeting place with God and that God can break into our lives when we least expect it. Who would have thought simply going to work in the morning (as Moses did) could lead to an experience that would turn one's whole life around? When we encounter God we come to a deeper level of awareness of the Presence that is around us, within us and yet beyond us... Form the habit of imagining the people you see on the street, the trees on the neighborhood lawns, the place where you spend most of your day, ablaze with fire. What you see with your soul may be truer than what you see with your physical eyes."
Jeremiah recently reminded me that when I consume the "word of God" it is a joy and delight to my life. (Jeremiah 15:16) It is a great spiritual discipline to daily read from God's Word and to allow that word to form your life.
As God's people we are not to foster hatred of human sinners but instead hatred of all sorts of sin that so stains and defiles God's good creation.The faithful will not want to be identified with such people and will want their own lives to be more and more in tune with the goodness of God.
Learn to admire and trust the Creator and Ruler of all -- to sing praise to God from the heart. Delight in God takes the believer far beyond mere utility.
"Some things are better when they're not perfect." [Ann Padgett in the novel Run]
During my recent time of recovery from surgery I've been able to get a little more reading accomplished, still not as much as I would like. One of the books I read was The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson, M.D. The thesis of the book as I interpret it is that shame is a major deterrent in a person's quest for wholeness and joy in living. I found the book extremely helpful though it was difficult reading especially the first few chapters. It is one of those books that I should read through again as I know that in my life I deal with shame and self-deprecation. I also have a dear relative who is suffering from and dealing with severe depression. Thompson writes this regarding depression: "It is common for people who are depressed to have a very different understanding of their past, as well as their future, compared to when they are well. Via neuroplasticity (ie. workings in the brain) and Hebb's axiom, practice tends to make permanent [this is not a good sign to me for helping my relative] Thus if we tell ourselves using imagery and sensations such as words, that our life isn't going anywhere, we literally wire our brain to continue in that pattern of storytelling. It becomes an embodied reality, and no amount of theological facts that state otherwise, apart from equally embodied action, will necessarily change the story's outcome. [A person needs] to see how the "facts" of one's life are not immutable realities but are as much a function of the story one tells himself on a moment-to-moment basis."
These words give me understanding of what is going on in the depressed life but how does one break the cycle of depressed, negative self-talk. I regret that I am not able to refer my relative to the counsel of this author, psychiatrist who could be, or so I would like to think, a great benefit. And in such a depressed condition I do not think reading the book would penetrate the individual.
And then I think what of prayer. Goodness I have prayed fervently for healing and restoration along with hundreds of other people, to no avail or so it seems to me. I will continue in prayer as will many others. I know and believe the promises of prayer that the Almighty gives. But my heart cries out for resolution and there is silence, nothing, anguish, pain. I cry with Jesus on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken us? So I end this lament with the words of
Lamentations 3:21-24 "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in the Lord.""
Yet Lord, still Lord, please have mercy and give help.
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