“Changing character, as far as the brain is concerned, means attaching in new and better ways. . . . Salvation through a new, loving attachment to God that changes our identities would be a very relational way to understand our salvation. We would be both saved and transformed through attachment love from, to, and with God.”- Jim Wilder, Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms (2020)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”- John 15:5 (NIV)
In Chapter 5 (“The Assurance of Abundance”) of Resilient, John Eldredge observes that catastrophic upheaval drives all of us to the core of human need and fear. Hence, we worry about provision and abundance. Most significantly, any measure of primal deprivation leaves us vulnerable to Desolation. However, John stresses, God has provision for us. In addition, it’s possible to heal attachment deprivations.
Furthermore, the author underscores, our need for attachment and the assurance of abundance opens up new levels of joyful experience. As a branch on Jesus the vine, you possess no unending experience of resilience in and of yourself. As a result, you must draw all your life and all of your resources from Jesus. Consequently, John explains:
“God is the fountain of life. The only fountain of life. His glorious life is meant to flow through us every day — healing us, filling us with creativity, courage, joy, playfulness, and resilience. It comes through attachment, bonded love, the soul’s union with God.
The goal of Christian faith is so much more than church attendance or holding certain doctrinal beliefs. The destiny of every human soul is union with God (emphasis John’s).”
So, John exhorts, attach to God. Go to the place of the assurance of abundance. Go to your primal fears and open your heart to God.
Today’s question: What Bible verses foster your loving attachment to God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The small turns away from God”