"The 'agnosticism of inattention'... does not consist in the denial of a personal God; it is unbelief growing like lichen from my inattention to the sacred presence."
-Brennan Manning, Abba's Child
When the volume of my life is turned up, attentive presence is first to go. I find I am distracted, my mind races with tasks to complete, a schedule filled to the brim. It becomes difficult to settle my own soul, so instead I settle for cheap "rest" that doesn't do the trick, not really. Then my inner critic gets louder, speaks of guiltiness, causes me to question my standing with Jesus— after all, he must be frustrated with me. Unbelief sows its wicked seeds.
Manning speaks of the life of faith as our "awareness of the present risenness of Jesus", and I'm asking the Lord to help my heart settle here instead.
Lord, as I become more attuned to this reality of your present risenness, move in me to desire deeper communion with you. Teach me to throw myself on your unending tide of grace more readily, instead of shrinking back in fear of a judgment that has no place for hearts hidden with the risen Jesus.
Amen, let it be so!
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