Learning new ways to pray and a poem for difficult times
Wherein we know that God is with us in our trouble
Gentle reader,
It’s been a hard time for us at Northern seminary, an institution I’ve come to love (and where I hope you’ll consider joining us for theological study!)
We’ll be alright; trouble does not mean that God is not at work. And I know God is at work among us, and our team won’t give up on that.
But I’m old enough to be tired of trouble and young enough to know there’s plenty more ahead of me.
And I cry easily. I’m also a very pink person, and when I cry, I’m a very red person. There’s this bit that always nagged at me in Madeleine L’Engle’s novel, A Severed Wasp, where one of the men who’s always trying to manage the protagonist, Katherine, notes that he could have taught her how to control her tears, but he didn’t, because tears matter. I was always annoyed at him for that, for thinking it was his job to decide for her.
I’ve wished I could become harder, armored, could let trouble wash over and off me, without leaving a trace. I’ve prayed for that. God’s answer seems to be, “No. Not harder. Softer. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).”
I’m trying to learn to believe God on that. Below, a poem I wrote, about those feelings:
by Beth Felker Jones I've prayed that I would harden, would grow scales, can see them, in my mind's eye, guarding flanks, rippling impervious green gleam bright nails, Lord, make me unbreakable, to the harshness. But I grow only softer now, liquescent, and fear I see where this must end: me, a melted pool to that sunshine, poured out all unguarded, yielded as myrrh. Beginning to learn how I ought to pray: but to be a reflecting pool, to glory.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” —Psalm 46:1-3
Butterflies on sand, Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh from Pexels.
“Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” — 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
I’m praying for you today, that God’s power and glory might be known, by you and by the world, in whatever weakness comes your way.
A book recommendation, on softness and the God who heals: Aundi Kolber’s Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode—and into a Life of Connection and Joy
“You may be familiar with the psalm that says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (46:10). Recently I learned that the phrase ‘be still’ comes from the Hebrew word raphah, which means to ‘slacken’ or ‘to sink or relax.’ As we consider what it might be like to surrender those things that are either not ours or that are too big for us to carry alone, I want to offer you the word picture of raphah, which you can use to soften your posture in proximity to God. It is our invitation to allow the One who calls us Beloved to help carry all those parts of life that are too big for us.” — Aundi Kolber, from Try Softer
Grace & peace,
BFJ
If this piece has been good to you, I’d be grateful if you’d share, forward, and subscribe.
This page contains associate links.
Love audio books? Try Audible plus.
Amazon Fresh offers grocery delivery on tens of thousands of products – from a complete grocery selection to everyday essentials, toys, gifts and more. Try it now.
Get a 6 month trial of Amazon Prime for students.
From my archive:
Alan Hirsch has written that we shout “read with “soft eyes” to better absorb what we’re read. Your “softness” is an indication of absorbing h life, rather than not letting it soak in and feel it! Covered dough is warm and nurtures the moist for greater growth! All is good!