Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace. — 2 Corinthians 1:12
God awakened me gently this morning with the words, “A Simple Message.” I had gone to bed reading a pure, old-fashioned book that contained quotes from Thoreau, then found myself thinking about Thomas Merton. This morning I read devotions from a “Book of Hours” based on Merton’s writings that absolutely cleansed my mind. And I think that’s God’s message.
By reading and meditating on simple, pure, wholesome ideas — be they Scripture or otherwise — we clear our minds of the world’s clutter and allow God to speak to us without having to yell.
The world is a noisy, confusing, frightening, over-stimulating place. Even when we’re alone, we tend to listen to news or watch TV or play games or think thoughts that muddle our senses. If we keep the input as simple as humanly possible, and make a point to re-focus ourselves on God and the beauty of his kingdom and — most of all — the simple but powerful message of Jesus Christ, our lives will acquire a calm beauty that will reach those around us.
Yes, simplicity and peace are extremely difficult in such a whirlwind world. But I feel God urging me to work with this idea, to write about it and read about it and (above all) live it.
What an exciting challenge for someone like me! I’m humbled and thrilled to hear God’s prompting so clearly. And I’m ready.
…through me perhaps your word of peace may make itself heard, where it has not been possible for anyone to hear it for a long time. — Thomas Merton
“a whirlwind world” – so aptly described.
As one who has lived through many decades and seen many changes, I wonder how much worse things can become, especially when we consider the attitudes/beliefs/actions of our governments. I guess we could cope more easily with changes if they didn’t include the changes to human nature and attitudes which we encounter every day.
I know that had the Lord not changed me, I would be just like – if not worse than – the self-seeking, self-pleasing, disrespectful people I see. This makes me want to share with them the Good News which can set them free.
As you say, even if the sanctuary of our own homes, the world creeps in. What a blessing it is that we can enjoy the abiding presence of our Lord and be refreshed, renewed and strengthened. What a blessing that we can immerse ourselves in His love and His Word!