Sitting on a Park bench holding God's hand.
“God yearns jealously for the spirit he has made dwells in us.”
--James 4:5
I have felt led to meditate on the Book of James the past few days. As I was reading and reflecting this stopped me in my tracks. This is not original to author of James; this is actually something the author quoted. The author is unknown.
What does it mean to you?
I have had several thoughts over the past few days of what it may mean for me. I don’t know about you but I think it is possible for me to move away from the deep connection and intimacy with God as a friend and Lover of my soul. The Divine wants to connect to the Divine within me. God yearns for that place in my soul where God lives.
I think it is easy to fall into the trap of writing sermons, articles, and blog posts; it is easy to fall into the trap of reading theology and writing reflection papers; and it is easy to fall into the trap of reading the sacred texts on a daily basis while not being in the moment with God. In other words, it’s easy to fall into the trap of conversing about God while all the time not living from the place of Divinity within myself.
Sometimes I even get a sense that God is yearning to connect with me and the only way that can happen is for me to spend time with God in prayer and meditation. Not thinking about God; not talking about God; not writing about God; doing pastoral work; teaching others about God but living and being with the Divine—the lover of my soul who yearns for the Spirit that God made dwell in me.
As you all know, I have been “facing trails of many kinds” lately but the deepest trial is the one where I have neglected the Spirit within myself; the Source of Light and Life; the true lover of my soul who yearns jealously for the Spirit of Love within me.
I need to go sit on a park bench with God and be reminded of what this life with God is all about.
19 Comments:
I know what you're talking about, Rick. It seems the chaos in my life is in direct proportion to the awareness distance I set between me and my God.
yep, amen.
For me, the park bench sometimes were taking God out on "a date" at a coffee shop somewhere.
It's also to practice the spiritual discipline of privacy and vow not to show people your prayer closet (Mat.5-7)
A quote from a most famous "park bench sitter", Forest Gump:
"...Life is like a box of chocolates- you never know what you're gonna get."
Is there ANY kind of bad chocolate?
Peace & blessings,
Keep it up!
You can't grow if don't struggle.
http://evangelicalperspective.blogspot.com
“God yearns jealously for the spirit he has made dwells in us.”
--James 4:5
Desiring God by John Piper.....a really good read speaking to exactly this......
reading a good book now - Second Guessing God (Brian Jones) I highly recommend it - now that you are turning a corner.
Sorry I haven't commented for a while. You are a treasure!
I'm sorry it's been so hard.
This was a wonderful post! Your honesty and perceptions are right on target.
Praying for you.
B~
How desperately I need this reminder...Great thoughts.
Excellent observation. Enjoy the park.
Praying.
Hugs
Ditto what DJG said. Very profound and meaningful for me. Thanks.
I like to tell people, "God is in you whether you like it or not!... what do you think keeps your atoms from flying apart in a million different directions?"
Great 'read' in the chiroprator's office today:
"If you want to be happy- no one can stop you!"
i thought about droppin' a xtian cliche' here 'bout how you'll be in my thoughts & prayers, but truth be told...
i'd rather ride the bench w/you...
listening for the roar of silence, breathing in the essence of creation & letting what was, is & forever will be...
be...
Rick...you're welcome to try something crazy with me!!!
Friends,
This Monday I will be embarking on a journey of love. I'm calling it 40 Days of Praise.
I will be blogging 40 straight days of praises. Whatever comes to mind...no blogging ahead. Promise!
Please check me out, offer a praise or even blog praises at your site.
Let's make a joyous noise with our keypads!
In Christ,
Danielle
Rick, are you hanging in there?
There have been times in my life when I didn't sit on the park bench WITH God, but just sat on the park bench and, lo, God walked up.
A park is close, but I've found that when one transitions from man-made environments to God's Creation -- His environment -- then something special happens, for once you are surrounded by only what God has created, from the sky overhead to the grass between your toes, and the breeze raising the hairs on your arms, and the nose awakened and the earth mingling in your mind, then you have reached a state that you can begin to feel God's presence, that is, if you let go of the words ping-ponging within your skull. Do this often, so often that you no longer need to make an effort to feel God's presence, for you will feel it, see it, be within it, all the days of your life.
Shalom,
Bro. Bartleby
You are not alone. Your words and work resonate with me and many.
peace to your path,
This really help to put into perspective what actually is desired of a me , in view of god who has already given me all giftes of family , job, friends and all other treasures.
Do i truly miss the relationship with god , does my soul seek him so much that i feel so shake that i can'nt feel his presence.
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