From the Bookshelf: Abiding

 

My friends, I have far too many books. You may be tempted to ask—as I have sometimes done—is it really possible to have too many books? A part of me says No; it is not possible. But here’s my problem: I do not have shelf space for them. I have stacks of books in the floor and piles of books on the fronts of shelves and more books in boxes.

I’m always reading something, so maybe I’ll get through all of them some time, but several are from school days--as in, when I was in school, and I really don’t know if I’ll want to read them again. Still, if I do get rid of one, next week I’ll probably go looking for it. I can’t tell you how many books I’ve gone looking for, sure I had them, only to remember that they were in my classroom at school, and  . . .well . . . we know how that ends.

But I have determined to cull the herd, so to speak, and so several days ago I took from the shelf a volume called Soul Revolution by John Burke. This is a book that I believe the GBA faculty was encouraged to read several years ago—probably many years ago. I had a marker in it, so I know I got about halfway before I abandoned it, and I may abandon it again. (If you want to talk about that, ask me.) The book is largely urging readers to try an “experiment” that involves setting a timer or maybe posting strategically placed reminders to stay in contact with God, to purposely be aware of His presence and communicate with Him throughout the day.

While I feel wary of gimmicks, staying in touch with God is certainly a good goal, and this week I read a section of Burke’s book that references a classic work by 17^th-century Christian worker, Brother Lawrence. That book is a compilation of conversations, letters, and journal entries called The Practice of the Presence of God. I happened to have read the Brother Lawrence book this summer, and I was happy to be reminded of the value of just being aware of God’s presence. I can speak to him of my joys and sorrows just as I would do if a human friend were by my side. In fact, as we are reminded by Jesus Himself, the Holy Spirit is closer than any friend, “for he dwells with you” and lives “in you.”

I have been able to sit in on some of Steve Lyons’ sessions about the Holy Spirit, and these studies have also brought to my attention the wonderful gift of God’s presence in my life. In moments of doubt or loneliness, it is a blessing to speak to Him and know he is near. I enjoy thanking God aloud when I see a beautiful sunset or when He protects me from accidents on the road. It is comforting to speak to the Holy Spirit concerning those I love. I know His love for them is greater than my own, and He actually has the ability to work in ways I cannot always see or even imagine. 

Andrew Murray’s Christian classic, Abide in Christ, is another source that urges believers to purposely focus on God’s presence in their lives. In this book, Murray delves into John chapter 15 and the metaphor of the vine. Jesus explicitly says to His disciples here, “Abide in me.” To abide is to stay, to linger on purpose, and Jesus makes doing so a command.

So this principle is what God is teaching me now. Sometimes discipline is required to form healthy habits. So if you need to set your watch or affix post-it notes to your mirror, go ahead and do it. And if you want to borrow a book, let me know. (Seriously)

--Sherry Poff