The Groove
When we find ourselves aligned with God's will, amazing things happen.
My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you, and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not stray, or else you may fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Consider the generations of old and see: has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken? Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of distress. - Sirach 2:1-11
Sirach talks about being tested. He sees what travail we encounter as God's doing, but I wonder if that is the best way to look at it.
I think it may be like this.
There are times when life is a struggle. It is as though I am swimming against the current and all my energy is getting me nowhere.
Then, at other times, I just seem to float, as though the current has shifted and is now flowing my way.
It is at those times, that I feel I have found the channel that is aided by God's Spirit, and I am guided to success with relative ease.
Humility, as Sirach describes it, is the act of changing one's course, finding the right channel, so that one's own desires are realigned with God's.
It may feel like a test. I think I know what God wants, but I need to test each action until I find what falls into place. And once that happens, I will know that God is with me, and I can put my trust in Him to bring me to the goal.
When it happens, it is a beautiful thing.
More to come...