As Darkness Closes In: Fix Your Eyes Upon the Light of the World

Temptation increasingly abounds to be enrapt with the world's schemes and narratives--selfishness all the more exalted under a guise of righteousness. Death is increasingly a fixation, blatant--anything to avert, just anything to preserve self and those things which self wants. This, as though we have control of life and death. I can tell you from personal experience that even suicide attempts aren't successful unless the Lord allows. Which is not something to be taken lightly. Period. 

I wouldn't generally speak so flagrantly about such wretchedness, but in the noxious cacophony which is standard fare for discourse these days, such searing has occurred that little bears weight. 

Speaking plainly, though prayerfully, is what's seemed best. 

He gives wisdom for each instance, however. 

But if you're here, online, I fear that you may be consumed with much of the current mania, also. 

Blessed Respite: Briefly Noted

Everything has changed, again. By grace.

Still so much need for humility, for a greater awareness of and responsiveness to the needs of others, above self. Yet, the experience of being loved is increasingly humbling.

For being unconditional. For being so unworthy of such unconditional love. Yet being unconditionally loved, nonetheless.

Enough so as that everything would be changed.

There's an awareness, simultaneously arisen, that even as this moment here and now is one of solace, refuge, fellowship, growth...sanctuary in His love..

..then, still, circumstances aren't the peace. Circumstances aren't the joy. Nor the comfort. Nor what succours.

He does. Christ, my Lord. Our Lord.

Not circumstances.

Not even so blessedly comforting and serene as He has made way, for the moment. I could weep, for the sheer blessedness and gratitude wrought of such release, such a relief--even momentary.

He knows our needs, so much more deeply, precisely, and lovingly than we could ever contrive to imagine or conceive. And He tends them, so gently, thoroughly, compassionately, and with such loving grace, such mercy.

We are all so unworthy. We've all done so many things, so many, many things...which absolutely defy Him, mocking even His goodness and love--so pure and holy is He, in all His ways, as any such act seemingly even so slight is all the more horrendous for so sharp as infinite contrast. Such travesty.

Absolute travesty.

And, yet He loves.

And provides.

Unceasingly.
Unwaveringly.
Eternally.
Faithfully.

As He is, has been, and always will be.

So, this moment, now...with all the world held strangely at bay by the indomitable force of His will, as a moment of rest, in grace and buffeted by His love on all sides...

...is so deep a comfort, so severe a mercy...

I could weep, for the absolute depth of such an experience of love unimaginable, compassion and concern inconceivable, for one so wretched as me. That, yet, He loves.

Each of us. And the pastor said that these matters are not even the barest tip of the iceberg, in terms of the riches of His grace.

How it makes me long to trust Him absolutely! Trust Him unwaveringly, unceasingly to love Him to all depths and heights of possibility!

For He is worthy. He is worthy!

He is so good, so kind. So gentle. So loving.

That He would even condescend to melt a heart of stone, that it might love and experience love and joy.

Everything has changed, again. Everything is changing.

And it's all Him.