“[Jesus] embraced his limitedness. He lamented that he didn’t feel God’s presence and couldn’t do anything about it. In our own suffering, we don’t have to do much more than that. Part of the reason you’re panicking is because you’re trying too hard to control the outcome of lament. You’re trying to be limitless. Just let go. Just let him save you.”- Aubrey’s spiritual director
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”- Psalm 22:1 (NIV)
As Aubrey Sampson continues Chapter 8 of The Louder Song, she notes that Jesus embraced his limitedness while on the cross. So, when you fail to sense God’s presence, Aubrey counsels, meditate in silence as you ask the Holy Spirit to meet you in this question. In the process, think of the many times you’ve experienced God’s presence in the past.
Yet, Aubrey’s spiritual director notes, people experience God’s presence in different ways. But, a thread – or common theme – runs through all of them. That thread is grace. Because, we never experience Grace as a result of anything we’ve done. Rather, God’s grace opens up the veil.
Furthermore, the author admits, she’s driven herself crazy in her attempt to impose her will on God. Above, all, when you try your best to force God to obey you, you put yourself in the place of God. So, when you feel as if God’s disappointed you, in reality that reflects a lack of trust. Also, you balk at resting in Him. Aubrey concludes:
“God’s presence is not anything we achieve through sheer willpower and determination. We can’t force his hand. We must attend to and be open to God’s presence, certainly. . . . But here’s the point: God’s grace greets and transforms us, whether or not we deserve it. And it’s in believing that, in choosing to trust even when it feels like we have no reason to, that we take a powerful step forward in our lament.”
Today’s question: In what ways do you identify with how Jesus embraced His limitedness? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our firm foundation in disequilibrium”
