fearless in the silence

sometimes it takes more strength to remain fearless in the silence.

i've been experiencing a healthy dose of non-writing around here.  a writer's quiet, if you will.  and it has taken every ounce of self-restraint to not just start babbling.  to fill this space with some words.

this morning's quiet time found me in the book of Ecclesiastes.  and for my morning's studies lately, i've been reading from the Message.

i acquired a copy of the Message a couple of years ago.  i specifically wanted it in order to obtain my goal of reading through the entire Bible, thinking it would help me get through some of the more cumbersome old testament books.

and quite in keeping with the author's intent, i have fallen in love with scripture all over again.

in addition to the scripture, Eugene Peterson gives amazing descriptions of the intent and purposes of each book.  i have enjoyed his insights into the scripture as much as the scripture reading itself.

so as i began this morning, in working through the human condition, here is what he had to say about us:

"it is our propensity to go off on our own, trying to be human by our own devices and desires, that makes Ecclesiastes necessary reading.

Ecclesiastes sweeps our souls clean of all 'lifestyle' spiritualities so that we can be ready for God's visitation revealed in Jesus Christ.

it functions not as a meal but as a bath.  it is nourishment; it is cleansing.  it is repentance.  it is purging.  

Ecclesiastes challenges the naive optimism that sets a goal that appeals to us and then goes after it with gusto, expecting the result to be a good life.  the author's cool skepticism, a refreshing negation to the lush and seductive suggestions swirling around us, promising everything but delivering nothing, clears the air.  and once the air is cleared, we are ready for reality--for God."

a right time to shut up and another to speak up. (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

so i fearlessly await the words.  and the time.  looking to the author and perfecter of my faith. . . daily running the race that is set before me.  He is good.  amen?

amen.


*sharing with the SDG community at Jen's