It began with naming the year “see”…
inexplicable waves of dark and sadness.
I’ve experienced sadness and dark before…but this was beyond all of that.
And I’ve over-spiritualized things before…
thinking things were more spiritual then they were…
neglecting the earthly matters that needed attention.
And I’ve under-spiritualized things too…
thinking things were all natural…
when, in fact, they were spiritual.
But in this year named “see” I need first century eyes…
practical eyes that see both the earthly and the spiritual.
Our Lord could see both – and acted on both.
Circumstances didn’t change for me – yet there was darkness.
Circumstances still haven’t changed – and yet there’s now light.
There are only two changes…
naming the year see before it happened…
and your prayers during my darkness.
I just reread my post from the fifth of this month.
This spiritual ‘sight” is what I’ve asked for…
to see both the material and the spiritual alongside it.
It’s all connected.
We are not, as the ancient Greek philosophers taught, part spirit and part material…
with the “bad” material dying and the “good” spirit being eternal.
Even though that’s the way so many Christians think.
When Jesus died he received a resurrected body…
and he was the firstborn from the dead. (Rev 1:5, Col 1:18)
It stands to reason that what happened to him will also happen to us…
and Scripture says it’s so…
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. (1 Cor 15:44)
In both cases – a body.
And I can’t not notice the timing of this happening…
I asked for my eyes to be opened…
and suddenly there’s this never before experienced oppression.
then it subsided…
then returned even worse…
and it’s been an ongoing battle since…
to see light through persistent dark.
But now the darkness seems lifted.
The question is – what’s the next move of the Enemy.
It makes sense that He and his minions would stick with an attack as long as it worked. But now that this one’s been beaten back they’ll be looking for the next crack in the defenses. The Enemy is nothing if not persistent.
Anyway…
It seems that seeing better…
with better eyes…
requires balance, perspective…
and anticipation even.
More tomorrow…
about anticipation…
and about those nasty sounding “imprecatory” psalms…
please come back.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Eyes to see! Ears to hear!
This is my mantra from THE FATHER for the time I’m in. Praying the same for you!
and I for you – just finished actually – God bless you Shannon!
“looking for the next crack in the defenses” . . .yes, the battle is on, Craig. Sometimes the persistence, the constant-ness of it is enough to create a crack. Something just came to me. You know how God will bless us and we get so excited and praise Him? It’s always after that time I get hit, for sure.I had this thought, to praise Him with our armor on. And this thought, how when they were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, they had a sword in one hand while they worked. God bless you as you see today!
I heart that part of Nehemiah Debbie – the sword in one hand – the tools and the other – it’s perfect for this. I’ll tell you one thing for sure – I’m thankful that as I open my eyes today I don’t see a huge cloud of dark – that nice thing ツ God bless you Debbie!
Debbie, late here, but chewing my way back through posts, and wow, I am glad you shared this!
Craig, this thought that I need to be a little more ‘on guard’ without being totally focused on the evil one is slowly making a place in my thoughts, and I am learning here and praying and wanting to know how all this fits in my own life. I am soberly grateful you are sharing your teachings here…and so are your friends. Sword in one hand yet eyes mainly on our Savior and Lord….
Do not fear… be on the alert… but do not fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. If God is for us, who can be against us? He is so much more powerful than any demon ever thought about being.
“on the alert” – I will have to be, my friend – the War is won – this battle will need attention. Thank you – no fear – but alertness – thank you – and God bless you Bev!
Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. Ask for it at the library.
Translated, edited and with an introduction by E. Allison Peers
I told Cora I didn’t understand it last week and then I picked it up again last evening and I couldn’t put it down. It is a slow read because it is so revealing. You may find it answering many of your questions about what is happening to you. I think I can now understand it in light of your posts. Funny how God intersects like this.
Dawn
Dawn, I think I need to reread it now. Praying for you, too.
A.
thank you for recommending this book, Dawn. i might just have to check it out. it seems im adding books to my list by the day. have you ever read When the Darkness Won’t Lift or When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy, both by Piper?
Craig, by the way, wanted to let you know that i recommend When the Darkness Won’t Lift–ive read it, given to me by my old Pastor’s wife, and it is a condensed read of When I Don’t Desire God, which ive heard is an amazing book. he references a lot of the old Christian preachers and writers. Dawn’s book made me think of it. i want to eventually read the longer version.
balance, perspective…this is what stuck out to me…i need these things in my life right now. thank you for your writing, Craig.
Dawn – I don’t have time for books – just my Bible – just blogs that I heart – that’s all there’s time for – so maybe you should do a book review – then I’ll come read it – I think I’ll go with that idea – do the book review – send me the link – I’ll be comment number one! God bless you my friend!
Dark Night of the Soul . . . thank you, Dawn, for this recommendation.
Wow, Craig, what awesome followers you have!
Know, my friend, that we are all here for you, all in the same boat, all struggling, all wishing and wanting the presence of His grace in our lives. In your life . . .
Recently, my step-son, aged 18, decided to move in with his mother. He never liked our rules and expectations. She has none, so, for a time, he will be in infinite bliss.
A happiness which cannot last. A high based on immediate gratification.
You and I know that is not how the Lord works . . .
But, to tell someone else and trust. Oh, trust with your heart that they will hear . . .
It’s up to Him.
Growing pains, loving pains, transcending pain . . .
And, just when we think we understand, the attack!
My prayers are with you! God be with you always!
Growing pains, loving pains, transcending pain . . .
And, just when we think we understand, the attack!
Martha, your reply really spoke to me, and especially this last part! Thank you, and prayers for you, too as you grow and pain your way through these things in your life. I won’t say much about my own experiences in these regards, but I hear you, I really do.
Thank you, A. I’m glad what I wrote in response to Craig’s post touched you deeply.
Your prayers are much appreciated, and I will hold you in mine . . .
“and just when we think we understand…the attack” brilliant! so on target – and you – you are so on target with your stepson – wisdom – I heart that! And thank you for your prayers – our Lord is always – ALWAYS with me – and you. God bless you Martha.
OK, my friend–book review in my future and yours.
Nacole, I love Piper’s works, but never read either of the ones you mentioned. It took me months to get St John of the Cross, but I eventually got there. I will get to Piper, too. Thank you.
Dawn
God bless you, Craig! Thank you so much for your kind reply. Yes, I am keeping you in prayers!
Martha,
Dark Night of the Soul is all about the attack. Glad you mentioned it.
We’re weaving this rug together and it’s a beauty!
Dawn
Thank you, Dawn!
It is, indeed, a tapestry, and it will be stunning!
Blessings!