Do we desire...?

Some kind of sweetness in life could come unexpectedly. That comes to me today as I listen to the words of God being preached in the church. Christmas, the feast of the Nativity of The Lord is around the corner and I was just swollen by the streams of announcements, celebrations around it and etc. At some point it became too much that I could be easily forget in which manner The Lord came to us: in the silence and serenity, in humility and peace. I was suddenly touched by the reflection of How Panaghia Theotokos Maria keeps silent and store her reflections in this very moment like this.

Thus, today I am reminded of how Christ is Emmanuel, God who dwells among us or who is always with us. At the remembrance of this, I come to bow my head in contrition. He is with me, he is with us! I have heard that the phrase, “Don’t be afraid...” is one of the phrases very frequently assured by the Lord in the Scripture. And yet, that phrase is continually spoken to us until today.

So often, what makes us afraid in this world is because we don’t acknowledge God who is with us in whatever circumstances we are in. As a result, we can be easily driven by the avoidance of pain and pursue of temporary entertainment. We want this, and that, and yet we don’t find ourselves satisfied, rather we becomes so much dismayed and dejected.

God is with us! Do we desire Him? Let us not forget the history of his people; of Israel which becomes eternal lesson for us. When they acknowledged and trusted Him, and followed His commands, they were victorious and valiant, but when they became hard-hearted and despised His words, they became the most miserable nation in this world.

We constantly need Christ to be with us. For it is His own blessed lips which say: “without Me you can do nothing.” It is His own presence which becomes fortress and blessing when we are living here and now. Thus, what else can we desire? Let us say with our heart together with Blessed and Glorious David, “As a deer panteth for the water, so my soul long after Thee.”  

When we totally acknowledge Him and trust Him in every second of our life, nothing shall make us afraid or anxious. Our life is in His Merciful Hands. What we need to do is simply look on Him and listen to His commands. For, “They who loves Me do My commandments.” All other things are added, as essential as they are. He is Good Father who knows what His children need.

Yet, honestly it is my own old self which easily failed me. Thus, at anytime, I cannot trust my own strength and understanding. Rather, always calling out to Him, “Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,” in every possible moment, for I know nothing of my own power could accomplish anything.

What a joy! What strength! A reflection on how God is really with us! The moment you are reading this, God takes care of you and loves you. Let us by our repentance moment by moment, opening our hearts and minds to the abundance of His grace and to acknowledge His gentle Hands to lead us to life. Let us never exhausted to offer our life and to learn as unworthy as we are to love God back.

Glory to God for all things!