“[Shallow attention] isn’t just an intellectual problem; it’s a spiritual crisis. It’s pretty hard to hear ‘deep calling unto deep (Psalm 42:7)’ when we’re forced into the shallows of our own hearts and souls by this frenetic world. Jesus heard my surface prayers; he came to my rescue.”- John Eldredge
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”- John 7:38 (NIV)
“The soul is but a hollow which God fills.”- C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
John Eldredge concludes the Introduction to Get Your Life Back as he asserts that we’re losing our ability to focus and pay attention for more than a few moments. As a result, we end up living at the depth of the text, the swipe, and the ‘like’.
Consequently, through his surface prayers, God rescued John. Thus, God led him to a number of helps and practices. John refers to them as graces. In addition, these graces provide a simple, accessible, and powerful way to restoration.
Furthermore, John underscores, God wants to come to us. He wants to restore our lives. However, John notes, it’s almost impossible to receive Jesus when our soul ails. Like dry, scorched ground, our soul fails to absorb the rain it needs.
Above all, the author views our souls as exquisite vessels that God created to saturate. Elegant fountains with water spilling down all sides. There we find the vibrancy and resiliency we crave. Yet, we must find the process accessible and sustainable.
In conclusion, John offers these words of hope:
“You can get your life back; you can live freely and lightly. The world may be harsh, but God is gentle; he knows what your life is like. What we need to do is put ourselves in places that allow us to receive his help.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures counter the spiritual crisis of shallowness? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “High vigilance for horses = nighttime”
