Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Into The Silence

Photo by Dan
freedigitalphotos.net
Angie's post yesterday spoke to my heart and affirmed what God has been whispering to my soul. God is able. He is able to take my messy life and make something of it for His purpose and glory. While my life may not look like what I thought it would...or should...it is a life lived for the One and Only, and there lies it's value.

As writers, we eye the prize of publication at the end of the goal line. But what if we never obtain the prize? What if the prize is really in the journey of writing, using the gifts and desires God has given us to put words on paper that only we shall see? Or maybe the prize is the blessing your crit partners gains from reading your words. Or maybe the prize is the hope you instill into your mother while reading your prolific prose? We don't know His will for our writing, but we do know He is good and His love endures forever.

When I confided to a friend of mine that I was struggling with anxiety and depression, she suggested I read Into The Silent Land by Martin Laird.  Published in 2006, this book is a guide into the Christian practice of contemplation. After reading the introduction, my heart ached to discover the close communion with God that this book described.

So often we chase after God, feeling like He is far. We go through processes and steps to find that closeness, to bring Him near, when in fact He is already near. He is in us.

In the introduction of Into the Silent Land, Laird states "...union with God is not something we are trying to acquire; God is already the ground of our being."

In our busy world it is easy to forget this. Our chaotic mind clutters the reality of God in us.

Laird states, "This ignorance is pervasive and renders us like the proverbial deep-sea fisherman, who spends his life fishing for minnows while standing on a whale."

We need still the clutter of our hearts and mind and center our being on God. It is there that we find peace. It is there where we find our purpose. It is there where we find meaning for life.

Where are you focusing your attention? On writing? On social media? On publication?

Focus on The One and Only. He will bring your life into sharp focus and you will find your heart's desire in Him.

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This post is brought to you by
 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is a minister's wife and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.

6 comments:

Angie Dicken said...

This is beautiful, Sherrinda! What I have been discovering along this journey. Thank you!!!

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Angie, I love it when God affirms through others (you!) what He is speaking to me. I sooo loved your post yesterday.

Amy Leigh Simpson said...

Love this post, Sher! So true!

Julia M. Reffner said...

I love this. I think you should consider a series on contemplation for writers :)

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Thank you, Amy. :)

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Hhhhmm, Julie. A series on contemplation for the writer. That could be interesting. hahaha!