Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Soul-Clinging

"For you have been my help, in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:7,8

Man, whatever else was going on in this Psalmist's life, he got it.  He got what life was all about - clinging to God and praising him.

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who is finding strength to love others as he learns about God's immanent presence with everyone; his power to hold all things together.

There is nothing better than learning that God is immanent.  To learn for the first time, as my friend put it, that God is not some bearded dude up in the clouds, but that's he's God-with-us-humans, he's God holding everything together, he's God who helps, he's God in the shadow of whose wings we sing for joy.

Our souls have got to cling to something.  As CS Lewis and others have mused, we have a place in our souls that only God's weight, the weight of his glory can fill.  And to be filled up with God, that's life.

I'm a pretty screwed up guy, living in a pretty screwed up world with lots of screwed up messages floating all over the place.  And it's amazing to me that God would take the time and infinite patience it must take to help me and uphold me.  Word's won't ever do justice to God's steadfast and faithful love.

The more I think on God, the less my worries and cares seem to matter.  He is my souls satisfaction, and his steadfast love is better than life.  His love is not only my life, it's better than life itself.

I don't know what heaven will be like.  I often think it's going to be sort of weird.  But if it's anything like being loved by an immanent God in this world, with as messy as I make it, I think it's going to be a really good experience.

So if you're like me, a total car-pile-up of thoughts, aspirations, frustrations, disappointments, joys and confusion, welcome to a better place, a place of hiding, and a place of living.  May you be held up as well as your soul clings to God.

3 comments:

Stephanie Ramirez said...

I think Jesus is the best god out there. We don't have to do anything to receive the love you described, Phil. Some gods of other religions require certain behaviors and sacrifices which you hope makes the god pleased so you might have favor and good luck. I like Jesus because he loves us no matter what. Our part is to receive it. What a deal!

Thank you for praying for me and Steve. Each day we are stronger and I no longer have pain.

Blessings,
Stephanie

Philip said...

It is a great deal indeed! I hope you don't think I'm implying we have to "do" anything (aka works righteousness) other than cling to him, enjoy him and relate to him. Clinging to God is relational privilege, not a work or ritual.

I'm glad to hear you're getting better!

Thanks for commenting, keep them coming!
Philip

Philip said...
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