Psalm 1 suggests that we have two choices – to walk in the way of the wicked or to delight in the Law of the Lord. It seldom feels like there are two choices. Lord, please clarify the options.
Speaking of Clarity: A while back, I decided to revamp my devotional routine. It had been what it had been for some time. And at some point I realized that what it was, was no longer enough. I needed to emerge from these times with more energy, more peace and more confidence. I do not mean to sound trite, but my sense was, I needed more God. To that end, I budgeted more time, added in a few things that had fallen away – e.g., journaling and silence – and began supplementing my Scripture reading with a few devotional books. It turns out, what is making the biggest difference is… the silence. I had spent times in silence before – and extended prayer includes silence. But this feels different. In fact, it is less silence than settling. My settling image comes from comments made by one of my son’s friends, whose initials are N.W. While working his way through college, N.W. spent time at a water filtration plant.
Me: “How does a city purify it’s drinking water?”
N.W.: “It’s pretty simple. We fill a huge pool with water from the river. We let the water sit in the pool for about a day. During that time, all of the mud and junk sinks to the bottom.”
Me: “And then?”
N.W.: And then you drink it.”
Me: “What? What about charcoal filters, triple reverse osmosis and lots of scientists running lots of tests? Please tell me you do all of that kind of stuff next.”
N.W. “Nope. We let it sit for 24 hours and then we send it to your home.”
Before you go buy a palette of bottled water, let me make my point: settling is significant. Sometimes all we really need to do is let the junk sink to the bottom so we can see what is really going on in our heart. If silence is not part of your daily diet, start with five minutes. After a brief time of prayer, I turn to the Psalms and then do some other reading. After that is over, I grab a piece of paper and sit back. As stray thoughts emerge – e.g., “don’t forget to call XYZ,” or “be sure to check the date of ABC,” etc. – write them down so you can forget about them, and then get back to listening. Over time, things emerge. It’s much easier to hear His voice when we are quiet.
To Be Read:
- Some time ago, journalist John Scalzi wrote an unsettling piece about poverty. It’s called Being Poor. If you have not read it, you should. I you have not read it recently, you should read it again.
- On a similar note, if it’s been a while since you rehearsed a bit of Lincoln, work that in as well. Here is his classic second inaugural. It is also worth reading over and over.
Quotes:
- The single, overwhelming fact of history is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There is no military battle, no geographical exploration, no scientific discovery, no literary creation, no artistic achievement, no moral heroism that compares with it. It is unique, massive, monumental, unprecedented and unparalleled. The cross of Christ is not a small secret that may or may not get out. The cross of Christ is not a minor incident in the political history of the first century that is a nice illustration of courage. It is the center. Eugene Peterson
- There is no religiously neutral definition of religious neutrality.
What is Not Being Said: In the last update, I noted our collective silence concerning death. What else is going unsaid? Discussions about personal finances. My experience is that people are more likely to share details of their sex life than they are to talk about their income.
What is Being Said: In the last month, I stumbled upon a handful of articles in which liberals (note: I am using “liberalism” in the classic sense, not to refer to “the left.”) have been discussing the limits of liberalism. I am struck by how refreshing it is to hear anyone criticize their own position; and by the growing concern (among liberals) that liberalism is destroying the non-liberal foundation that has allowed it to flourish. (If you want to read more, you can read reviews of either The Politics of Virtue: Post-Liberalism and the Human Future, by John Milbank and Adrian Pabst, or Why Liberalism Failed, by Patrick Deneen).
Thanks / Praise:
- Since becoming a pastor, I have been aware of how difficult Mother’s Day is for many. That makes me all the more thankful that my Mom is doing well (and that I will be seeing here in a couple weeks); and that our boys were appreciatively attentive to their mother last weekend.
- I am thankful for a chance to work with a great staff and with so many others (at Christ Church and beyond) that care passionately and invest sincerely in important projects.
Closing Prayer: My God, I am yours for time and eternity. Teach me to cast myself entirely into the arm of your loving providence with the most lively, unlimited confidence in your compassionate, tender pity…. Take from my heart all painful anxiety; suffer nothing to sadden me but sin, nothing to delight me but the hope of coming to the possession of you, my God and my all, in your everlasting kingdom. Amen. Catherine McAuley (1778-1841)