“In the contemplative life every conflict, inner or outer, small or large, can be seen as the tip of an iceberg, the expressive part of something deeper and larger. It is worthwhile, even necessary, to explore that which is underneath the surface of our daily actions, thoughts, and feelings.”
It is interesting to think that God can use every little conflict, feeling, emotion, or reaction to reveal something that is going on at a deeper level in our core. These ruptures in our comfort are a God given opportunity to ’search our hearts’. God wants us to discover the root of the problems in our lives…not just change behaviors on the surface.
After two years of living in another culture and doing a new and difficult job, God has revealed many icebergs in my life. Sometimes I feel out-of-breathe from trying to swim down and see what’s underneath…some of my icebergs were a lot bigger than I thought! Looking back, I see how God has used these pursuits to teach me about trust and to reveal how little I can ‘work on’ my issues alone.
For a long time my reaction to seeing areas in my life has been to work hard on them. Try to act more humble. Try to act more patient. Try to act like I don’t need control. And I splash about in the water with great passion, but then end up losing sight of the bottom because I’ve disrupted the still water that God brought me to so that I could see the bottom.
Our icebergs are not a time to be quick to act, quick to try and fix our lives, or quick to change ourselves through effort. They are opportunities for us to come close to God through prayer, stand shoulder to shoulder with Jesus, and let him lead us into the cold and deep waters of our hearts. Only in being still and trusting God can we continue to see clearly.
I always feel like a ‘blog hog’ because I’m so quick to respond to your posts, Justin. I look forward to what God is teaching you and the deep vein of truth in your writings, because I can see how He is growing and changing you. Seriously, you need to write a book. Seriously. Maybe that’s one of the reasons that He’s given you these icebergs to explore…to be still…to drive you into a deeper, solitary place where your gifts are so clearly apparent. “These ruptures in our comfort are a God given opportunity to ’search our hearts’.” Going through my own ‘rupture’ time, I will heed what it is I need to do….nothing. Not to do, but to be… To just be still, listen, and then dive deep to explore the Foundation that anchors me. Thanks Justin. This made for a thought provoking early morning devotion.