A Prayer from St. Francis
Some concluding thoughts on solitude. These our excerpts from a prayer of St. Francis as he spent time in solitude.
“You are holy, Lord, you are the only God
And all your works are wondrous.
You are strong,
You are great,
You are most high.
You, most holy, are the Lord of heaven and earth!
You are the mystery, the Lord God above all gods.
You are good,
You are all good,
You are the highest good.
Lord of all, God of all, ever living and ever true.
You are the fire of love itself.
You are our wisdom, humility, patience, beauty, meekness,
security, inner peace and our joy.”
“Great and wonderful Lord!
You are God who lives forever, offering me life!”
I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, filled with good.
--Ben Keckler
09.23.11
Showing posts with label Solitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solitude. Show all posts
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 22
Be Still! You’ve Got to Be Kidding
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the “centering of our own being” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered, remember those who are in difficult places:
Government officials, hopefully focusing on solutions to perplexing problems.
The thousands and thousands who are displaced by various natural disasters.
Those who will face hardships because they will receive unsettling news today.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have
a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.22.11
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the “centering of our own being” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered, remember those who are in difficult places:
Government officials, hopefully focusing on solutions to perplexing problems.
The thousands and thousands who are displaced by various natural disasters.
Those who will face hardships because they will receive unsettling news today.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have
a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.22.11
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 21
When It Feels Like a Deep Dark Hole Surrounds You
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs.
One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude. Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. BUT, entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, O Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.21.11
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs.
One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude. Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. BUT, entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, O Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.21.11
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 20
Some Thoughts on Solitude
I remember the weekend that one of those dreaded phone calls came, informing my wife and me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. I talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
Our friend has been developing her ability to be attentive to God’s voice. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
I knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments.
--Ben Keckler
09.20.11
I remember the weekend that one of those dreaded phone calls came, informing my wife and me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. I talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
Our friend has been developing her ability to be attentive to God’s voice. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
I knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments.
--Ben Keckler
09.20.11
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 19
Reflections on Solitude
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time to intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed in the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person’s solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.19.11
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time to intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed in the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person’s solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.19.11
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 16
Creativity in the Quiet
“The discipline of solitude is one of the most powerful disciplines.
It is a simple, though not easy, way to free us from the slavery
of our occupations and preoccupations and begin
to hear the voice that makes all things new.”
--Henri Nouwen
Making All Things New, page 75
Now here is a major challenge for each of us – creating a space to be alone for a few minutes each day. Listening to silence is wonderful, but it can be tough to feel comfortable in silence. We are surrounded by distractions and interruptions, we are surrounded by noise and busy schedules, and in fact we’ve even created “surround sound”!
Oh for the moments of silence! I’ve recently returned from a visit with our granddaughters in Colorado (did take some time for daughter and son-in-law too!). They live near the base of Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. In between the care giving for our grandchildren, I was able to take some quiet time. Sitting in their living room and watching the wildlife graze in their front yard made quiet time pretty relaxing. The challenge now is to find ways to “be still” and know that God is renewing me day after day after day.
A prayer: God be near me as I creatively develop places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.16.10
“The discipline of solitude is one of the most powerful disciplines.
It is a simple, though not easy, way to free us from the slavery
of our occupations and preoccupations and begin
to hear the voice that makes all things new.”
--Henri Nouwen
Making All Things New, page 75
Now here is a major challenge for each of us – creating a space to be alone for a few minutes each day. Listening to silence is wonderful, but it can be tough to feel comfortable in silence. We are surrounded by distractions and interruptions, we are surrounded by noise and busy schedules, and in fact we’ve even created “surround sound”!
Oh for the moments of silence! I’ve recently returned from a visit with our granddaughters in Colorado (did take some time for daughter and son-in-law too!). They live near the base of Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. In between the care giving for our grandchildren, I was able to take some quiet time. Sitting in their living room and watching the wildlife graze in their front yard made quiet time pretty relaxing. The challenge now is to find ways to “be still” and know that God is renewing me day after day after day.
A prayer: God be near me as I creatively develop places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.16.10
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, October 1
In Solitude Remembering Others
“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46: 10
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the “centering of our own being” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered, remember those who are in difficult places:
Leaders attempting to make difficult decisions, acting in the best interests of all.
Struggling folks who are trying to prepare for winter amid their present harsh realities.
People who woke up today and already have discovered that their anticipated reality for the day has been demolished. People whose world is upside down.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.09
“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
--Psalm 46: 10
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the “centering of our own being” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered, remember those who are in difficult places:
Leaders attempting to make difficult decisions, acting in the best interests of all.
Struggling folks who are trying to prepare for winter amid their present harsh realities.
People who woke up today and already have discovered that their anticipated reality for the day has been demolished. People whose world is upside down.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
10.01.09
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 30
Solitude, Its Significance
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
Prayer: Guide me toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.30.09
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
Prayer: Guide me toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.30.09
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 29
Solitude, Its Significance
A few years ago, one of those dreaded phone calls came informing me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. I talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
My friend worked diligently on her ability to be attentive to God’s voice. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While I hated to leave her, I knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time with God. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
Prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.29.09
A few years ago, one of those dreaded phone calls came informing me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. I talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
My friend worked diligently on her ability to be attentive to God’s voice. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While I hated to leave her, I knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time with God. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
Prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.29.09
Monday, September 28, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 28
Solitude, It's Significance
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person’s solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
Prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.28.09
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person’s solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
Prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.28.09
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, September 18
Solitude
Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
--Psalm 46: 10
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! In times of solitude it is important to focus on “centering of self” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored, we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered remember those who are in difficult places:
• The thousands and thousands who are displaced by Hurricane Ike.
• Those who will face hardships whether because of the hurricane or because they will receive other unsettling news today.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
Ben Keckler
09.18.08
Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
--Psalm 46: 10
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can’t it? I don’t think so! In times of solitude it is important to focus on “centering of self” and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important—when we are anchored, we don’t drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered remember those who are in difficult places:
• The thousands and thousands who are displaced by Hurricane Ike.
• Those who will face hardships whether because of the hurricane or because they will receive other unsettling news today.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
Ben Keckler
09.18.08
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, September 17
The Discipline of Solitude
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
--Psalm 130: 1, 2
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, O Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
Ben Keckler
09.17.08
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
--Psalm 130: 1, 2
Every so often we can feel like we are “in the depths”. When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity as the surroundings that help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the “presence” that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, O Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
Ben Keckler
09.17.08
Monday, September 15, 2008
Daily Devotions - Monday, September 15
Solitude
Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
--Psalm 4: 1
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of “uninterruptedness.” Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
I can still recall one powerful moment of solitude I was privileged to observe. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.15.08
Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
--Psalm 4: 1
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of “uninterruptedness.” Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the “inside noises” can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
I can still recall one powerful moment of solitude I was privileged to observe. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved “stuff” and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. “Are you in a better place now?” I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.15.08
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, February 21
Got Some Troubles?
“Why should I fear in times of trouble…
God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
--Psalm 49 selected phrases
Trouble. The word looms large in today’s world--from individual troubles to global troubles. Trouble. It may even be a big word for your inner being today. Can you receive the question and faith-filled response from the Psalm writer?
In this increasingly apocalyptic world, it is reassuring to know that fear does not need to dominate our lives. There are witnesses who have pointed people toward a way of living faithfully “in times of trouble.” The Desert Fathers fled to an unpopulated area. A Roman aristocrat, Arsenius, heard these words from the sage counselor he consulted, “Flee from the world, be silent and pray always.”
The temptation these days is to go mad with those who are mad, to yell with those who yell, to dictate to one another where to go, what to do, and how to behave. “If you can’t beat the world, join it” seems to be a valid approach when everything is crashing.
Try solitude, friends. Take some time to be alone and just meditate, listen to silence. In fact, don’t take time with the chaplain’s devotions or with Sacred Scripture (obviously I do believe both are important)! Take time to listen to the silence and you too will discover the words of the Psalm are true and trustworthy, “Why should I fear…God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
Have a good, good day!
Ben Keckler
02.21.08
“Why should I fear in times of trouble…
God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
--Psalm 49 selected phrases
Trouble. The word looms large in today’s world--from individual troubles to global troubles. Trouble. It may even be a big word for your inner being today. Can you receive the question and faith-filled response from the Psalm writer?
In this increasingly apocalyptic world, it is reassuring to know that fear does not need to dominate our lives. There are witnesses who have pointed people toward a way of living faithfully “in times of trouble.” The Desert Fathers fled to an unpopulated area. A Roman aristocrat, Arsenius, heard these words from the sage counselor he consulted, “Flee from the world, be silent and pray always.”
The temptation these days is to go mad with those who are mad, to yell with those who yell, to dictate to one another where to go, what to do, and how to behave. “If you can’t beat the world, join it” seems to be a valid approach when everything is crashing.
Try solitude, friends. Take some time to be alone and just meditate, listen to silence. In fact, don’t take time with the chaplain’s devotions or with Sacred Scripture (obviously I do believe both are important)! Take time to listen to the silence and you too will discover the words of the Psalm are true and trustworthy, “Why should I fear…God will ransom my soul and receive me.”
Have a good, good day!
Ben Keckler
02.21.08
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