Be Content Not to See

Let God do his work.
Let him lead you, as he will.
He needs only your consent.

Be content not to see
and put aside your need to know.

Accept that someone is moving
lovingly within you,
even if you do not yet recognize
that it is God at work.

--The Cloud of Unknowing

Recently, I felt isolated, discouraged and discarded – by my church. I did not understand why things were changing or why I was feeling bewildered. During an experience of Centering Prayer, my focus was drawn to one line in the Lectio reading that day – “Be content not to see”. I felt that God was asking me to find contentment in God instead of needing to know and understand.

As I continued to pray, I kept asking God to transform contentment in me, because I knew I could not do that with my own efforts. On another morning, while praying, I saw my life as a candle that was barely burning, starting to smolder. I sensed Jesus’ presence tending to my flame to help it burn clean and bright once again. I recalled the verse from Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out…” 

How like the gentle Shepherd to come to me at my lowest point. As I studied the Isaiah passage, I was led to other verses of comfort: 

Isaiah 40:11 “…he will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart”

Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”

After these messages from God’s word, I no longer felt isolated. God knew my situation and God was with me offering the comfort of His reassuring presence. With hope restored, God will enable my light to shine bright once again.

CHALLENGE

Has life left you weary, burdened and feeling bruised? Find hope in Isaiah’s prophecy of Messiah’s gentleness with the broken. Find help with your weariness by accepting Jesus Christ’s rest.