I read a story recently where one of the characters pointed out that we always do what we want to do - that sometimes we call what we want to do "right" to make ourselves feel better, but, basically, we do what we want.
I think the character's implication was that nothing actually is "right" or wrong, and I disagree with that conclusion, but the observation that the only thing we can possibly act on is our own desires is correct: we always do what we really want to do - you can tell what we want by what we do. Or at least, you can if you have all the information (which you don't). Anyway.
But here's the cool realization I had when I read that: this is why we must learn to say (and mean) "God's will be done." Or, in other words, why we must make God's desires our desires. Our real desires. The reason we must learn to desire what God desires is that only God desires correctly.
Our desires are corrupted by sin and selfishness and - I don't think we think about this enough - a really pathetic lack of sufficient information. We can't see into the next minute, let alone back to creation and forward to the End, taking into account the good of all creatures and the honor of their Creator. But God knows all and loves fully. So may His will be done.
Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, help us ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Peace of Christ to you,
Jessica Snell
6 comments:
Well put.
What's so nice is to find, in small ways, one's desires change to be more good and holy--like finding more prayer time devoted to the lost and troubled, rather than my deep abiding longing for a new dining room table.
That seems very true! Prayer seems to help. For lots of years I prayed "God's will be done" when I had trouble really meaning it, and nowadays, once in a while at least, I do really mean it and prefer God's will with my whole heart.
This was great, Jessica. Thank you.
Thank you all. Willa and Anne, I know what you mean. I think the only way we can be so astonished at seeing God's work in our hearts is because only we know how awful our own normal impulses are . . . seeing them changed really is like seeing water turned into wine: so impossible, so good.
Also, Anne, do you possibly have a table like mine, decorated in Early Childhood Dada?
WoW! nice post so informative. . thanks for sharing.=0
Post a Comment