So what lies beyond the threshold of where we find ourselves today? As we survey our current landscape what do we see? Regret? Do we see a brokenness of body and spirit? Are things messier and more uncertain than we care or care to admit? Perhaps we are blinded by ignorance to the need of others? Do we not see the injustice, despair, loneliness, and struggle of the other inhabitants of the earth? Have we tuned out to the planet’s cry for help?
Back to the original question: so what lies beyond the threshold of where we find ourselves today?
A long time ago, a preaching mentor shared with me the role of gospel-centered preaching; comfort those who find themselves challenged and challenge those who find themselves comforted. Those who are despairing need to hear the comforting message of hope. Fear not – God is present and will bind up the brokenhearted. Those who are self-absorbed and full of themselves need to hear the challenging message of love. Fear and love God above all things – and then get to work loving the neighbor. Discipleship invites outward living because that is how Jesus lives.
What lies beyond the threshold of where we find ourselves today? For some, the answer will lie in a deeper trust of God’s eternal care – resting in God’s abundant grace – while the tempest swirls around. For others, the answer will lie in a deeper level of discipleship – hearing God’s radical call of hospitality – that courageously leaves our nets and comfort zones to follow Jesus.
Peace. Risk. Trust. Courage. Repentance. Sacrifice. Thanksgiving. What do these things look like in our lives and in the lives of others around us? What would they look like? I wonder. Holy wondering is a faithful activity that paradoxically is both bold and humble because it dares to imagine what God desires in our life for our life and the lives of others.
Holy wondering is a faithful activity that dares to see life the way it is only so far as it takes for us to join in God's work of transformation. Holy wondering has the courage to see beyond destructive self-abnegation, and damning pride. Holy wondering puts aside the deceptive cloak of "I'm okay, your okay," in favor of a baptismal garment that says, "I'm a child of God in constant need of renewal."
Holy wondering is creative activity and the sort of thing to be about in this season of Advent as we yearn for God to bring about the resurrection of our lives.
Silent Prayer:
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for seven minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. As thoughts come to your mind – push them aside. Now is not the time. Trust in God to hold your life without needing to control it with our thoughts or actions. At the end of your time – say a simple “thank you” or “Amen.” Tomorrow, we will build on this spiritual practice by adding more time. Consider the time spent in silent prayer as an Advent gift – an opportunity to enter into God’s shalom/peace.
Today’s Silent Prayer Goal – SEVEN minutes
Scripture:
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Thank you for reading the seventh blog of this Advent series. If it was meaningful to you, please feel free to like it below or share it with your friends. You may also leave a comment. Blessings on the journey as we head through this season of Advent together. In Christ, Walt.