Digging In

Just wrote a poem on how full emptiness can be.

I’m in a quiet time right now and it’s the kind of time whenI can feel like God’s not here. Empty.  And I was reminded of thatverse from James 1: 2-4… which I’ve tried to understand deep down… “Consider itpure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of manykinds, because you know that the testing of your faith producesperseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may bemature and complete, not lacking anything.”

The old word for “testing” is “prove,” and this helpsme.  Proving, getting down to the truth,clarifying the reality of something, leads me into remembering that faith isnot some element of belief but is another word for relationship.  Faith is a relationship.  So, proving a relationship, to me, meansgetting down into the reality of how that relationship works when it is mostneeded.  That makes the rest of whatJames is telling me here make sense.

So, now, saying it in my own words, “Consider it all joywhen you are in the depth of emptiness from whatever happened in your life,because now is when you dig into the reality of your relationship with God.  You’re going to grow in remaining with Godduring this time.  And as you remain, youwill mature into a wholeness, a soundness that will stand strong.” OR, “Whenyou’re feeling like God has abandoned you, recognize that this is a moment whenyou can get quiet with God, deep inside and ask – what do I need to learn inthis time I’ve been given?”

The Spirit is right there, ready to receive and respond tothat request.  In that empty hole, inthat blank moment when I want to turn on God and say, “You’ve forsaken me,” adifferent emotion takes hold of me just now as I ask – what are you showing me?

The Spirit starts talking about opportunity, about change,about growth, about maturing.

It’s like suddenly all the noise is gone… but it’s notempty.

Empty’s Fulness           G. S. Kohler

You are present as in, wait, Staying, even belaying My darkest night Into the deepest light Out on the sternest fear Dearest friend, you are here

When I shudder most alone Lonely words will make me moan Prone on the ground I echo hollow sound Your call that I rejoice Voices the lawless choice

You say praise into empty Deeper into the belly Of the great fish Until days of childish Pouts give way to settled Nestled. Persuaded. Lulled.

Blessings (they’re all around us) Geoff