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A Safe Haven
When I retreat into my safe haven, I once again recognize that it is the permanent spirit, not the temporary body, which must be shielded and protected. As the sense of fear fades, I am reminded of Jesus' fearless walk all the while knowing physical danger was everywhere around him and that the hatred for him was growing out of control. And so it seems to me, that as I walk in a world rapidly being overcome by evil, I must focus on the purpose of my having been brought into existence--the assignments designed for the perfection of my spirit which fulfill specific purposes in God's plan.
We all have different purposes and unique assignments and as long as we focus upon the development of our spirit, we need not fear any consequences to our bodies. It all resides within The Father's realm and is none of our concern. Thus, I must leave my refuge as my place is one of fighting for the children and danger is not to be considered. Funny, I've always thought of myself as a coward so I really have to laugh at God's sense of humor. It can be outrageous!
"Prayer is the truest guarantee of personal freedom. We are most truly free in the free encounter of our hearts with God in His word and in receiving His Spirit which is the Spirit of truth and freedom. The Truth that makes us free is not merely a matter of information about God but the presence in us of a divine person by love and grace, bringing us into the intimate personal life of God as His Sons [and Daughters] by adoption. This is the basis of all prayer and all prayer should be oriented to this mystery of adoption in which the Spirit in us recognizes the Father. The cry of the Spirit in us, the cry of recognition that we are Sons [and Daughters] in the Son, is the heart of our prayer and the great motive of prayer. Hence recollection is not the exclusion of material things but attentiveness to the Spirit in our inmost heart. The contemplative life should not be regarded as the exclusive prerogative of those who dwell within monastic walls. All can seek and find this intimate awareness and awakening which is a gift of love and a vivifying touch of creative and redemptive power, that power which raised Christ from the dead and which cleanses us from dead works to serve the living God. It should certainly be emphasized today that prayer is a real source of personal freedom in the midst of a world in which we are dominated by massive organizations and rigid institutions which seek only to exploit us for money and power. Far from being the cause of alienation, true religion in spirit is a liberating force that helps us to find ourselves in God." --Thomas Merton. The Hidden Ground of Love
Jane Mullikin
Current affairs in the world seem to grow more chaotic by the hour. There does not seem to be a safe place anywhere in this world in which to find refuge. If I spend much time with the news and views of the day, I lose all sense of security and serenity. If I leave the news and walk out my front door where I see the drug pushers handing out dollar bills to the younger children, the insanity of it all makes me want to board up the windows and never leave this home where God's presence is felt. But to do this would be to fail my Heavenly Father who has shielded me from harm.
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Spirit - Finding Hope in a World of Uncertainty