Our Solitude with Him. Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?

We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, “Oh, I’m so unworthy.” We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear.

_____________________________________________

Journal DJR

Good morning Lord,

I am overwhelmed by the tragedy that has happened to my friend who just lost his son to suicide.   The fact that just last year, he lost his daughter to a freak blood clot embolism makes it doubly hard.   I dont know how to think or feel or respond.   I want to help and I will reach out today … but what to say?  Cant say, been there, done that.  Almost no one in this country could say that….

Well, I can say that I’ve been there, done that.   Even more so.   I gave up my son … and knew it was coming … even planned it.   For you.  

Wow.  Yes of course, that’s right.  But still it leaves the question of what to say and how to be in this time.  I dont want to be like “Job’s Comforters”

Keep the emphasis on “be”   Job’s friends ran amuck when they opened their mouths.   So be his friend.  Be there.   Dont offer platitudes or cliches.   You know how to be … and I will guide you on the few things to “do and say”

I’m reminded of the Laura Story song, Blessings … that grew out of her husbands life threatening illness.    There are so many things in life that start out bad and turn out good … if we keep our hands off and make things worse.   I’m reminded of Romans 8:28.    It still doesn’t seem time to send my friend a link … so let me know when.

I’ve also noticed that there are very few songs about the part of our relationship with you that the lesson today brings.   Even the one I  chose is more about the warm and fuzzy side.

So why dont you write one?

OK, if you give me the material and the push … I carry a little notebook in my pocket.  BTW, I’m not asking to go thru anything like my friend has on his plate, just so I can write a song.

Dont worry, everyone’s path is different.   But everyone’s formula is the same.   Walk close with me.  Focus on our relationship and our love and I will pour the power thru you to get through victoriously.

You have been teaching us that.  Thank You.  I love you.

• Previous Entry: What My Obedience to God Costs Other People
• Next Entry: The Voice of the Nature of God