Hello, fear? Hello, disorientation? Did I really say these things at the end of yesterday’s blog? Why would we ever welcome uncertainty? What kind of fool willingly opens the door for fear and disorientation to enter? Don’t we want to keep these things out or at least at bay?
Sure. In our desire and designs to control life, fear and disorientation are not welcome. They are painful reminders of the fact that so much of life is beyond our control. We resist this truth with great gusto. To be successful in life means to be in charge of things. We want to always be in the place where we make choices and decide our fate. Fear and uncertainty are reminders that such desires are fanciful and illusory. Painful reminders that hold a mirror before our eyes and dare us to look upon our helplessness. They bring to the surface deep and hidden insecurities.
That said. Both fear and disorientation have a role to play when they show up at our doorstep. Instead of ignoring the presence of fear and disorientation, these usually unwelcomed feelings can be important markers for us, letting us know that we are in the presence of forces beyond our control. Pretensions of being in charge quickly leave when we feel them near us. They can also serve to certify that this is a genuine threshold moment. We are truly on the cusp of a moment ripe with transformational potential when we sense fear and disorientation within ourselves. Like a canary in a mine, they signal things that we simply can not see.
Embracing and welcoming fear and disorientation can, in a counter-intuitive manner, be a spiritual task that requires great courage and can produce great fruit. Instead of running for cover, it takes courage to look into our deepest fears. Instead of trying to catch our bearings, it also takes courage to look into our disoriented selves. What lessons do we find in each? Like Jacob’s bout with the unknown stranger on the banks of the Jabbok (see Gen. 32:22-32), what blessing can we wrestle from each? Avoidance and flight prevent us from the kind of productive engagement from which we can glean benefit.
Humility and caution are once again needed. Breathing deeply allows us to remain calm as we focus our gaze. Breathing deeply also allows us to invite the spirit physically into our being. Come Spirit, enter into this moment when I’m afraid, and I’m disoriented. Come Spirit, give me the wisdom to learn from these uncomfortable and unwanted feelings. Come Spirit, let me trust in your strength and guidance for my own is compromised.
The lion roars and its sound echoes throughout the darkened den. Instead of fleeing, courage kneels and waits for a blessing. We wait in the threshold knowing to the deepest core of our faith that transformation lies ahead.
Silent Prayer:
Find a comfortable place to sit. Set your phone or watch for ten 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 – Ten minutes
If the challenge of ten minutes of silence seems to be just too much, an alternative might be to continue with seven or eight minutes of daily, prayerful silence for the remainder of this Advent season. The length of time spent in silent prayer is not as important as the practice itself so give yourself the permission to do it for as long as works for you.
Scripture:
1 Peter 5:6-9
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Thank you for reading the tenth 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.