The Book of Remembrance

[MostlyConfused]

Basically losing yourself is pointless unless you have a new self to put on. Putting on Christ is meant for the inner man AFTER putting off the outer man. Trying to be perfected without removing the outer man just makes things worse and is suicidal for the inner man.

You’re talking about trying to be what you imagine to “be holy“ looks like by your own effort instead of seeing your destitute situation and seeing it is futile? Trying to control everything THROUGH the very part of you that must die/fall into the ground/be put off?

I’m just in a difficult place where there have come, through (the way I guess I’ve seen it) providential circumstance, certain things I could choose that arent bad or evil but would be considered good by most but yet I feel like they would be tragic for me. But this peace I’ve been in has begun to feel empty. It actually felt that way even before the deep peace came, like an emptiness but not in a bad sense (although it was somewhat bewildering at times because it seemed I could not even muster the will to do what would be GOOD for me in temporal matters).

Ive wondered if it has gone on for so long now that I have become tempted to try to fill it in with…some former things (though not bad things) because…well, I don’t think I know why on the because.

Oh never mind, that probably sounds crazy.

 

[Episkopos]

You’re talking about trying to be what you imagine to “be holy“ looks like by your own effort instead of seeing your destitute situation and seeing it is futile? Trying to control everything THROUGH the very part of you that must die/fall into the ground/be put off?

Exactly...being misguided into thinking you can progress into God's holiness without going to God Himself. Most people want to try figuring things out themselves. They may consult people but never God Himself. You would need faith for that.

I’m just in a difficult place where there have come, through (the way I guess I’ve seen it) providential circumstance, certain things I could choose that arent bad or evil but would be considered good by most but yet I feel like they would be tragic for me. But this peace I’ve been in has begun to feel empty. It actually felt that way even before the deep peace came, like an emptiness but not in a bad sense (although it was somewhat bewildering at times because it seemed I could not even muster the will to do what would be GOOD for me in temporal matters).

You will experience the times of refreshing. But faith demands you maintain that hope though the desert times. Develop a pattern of waiting and seeking God DURING the peaceful times...and you will be sustained through the arid times. For faith to grow we have to be tested. Better results come about when we do our part.

Ive wondered if it has gone on for so long now that I have become tempted to try to fill it in with…some former things (though not bad things) because…well, I don’t think I know why on the because.

Oh never mind, that probably sounds crazy.

Not at all. We all notice when something is different. Just rejoice in God for what He already gave to you. Keep rejoicing. Keep waiting. Over time that response will become ingrained. Seek the dew of the morning. Stop as many times during the day as you need to or want to, to thank God for His benefits. Wait daily at His gates.

I pray you keep doing well. Blessings to you. <><

 

[MostlyConfused]

And as if in answer, here’s the first thing I read when I pick up my reading where I left off just now - “how much time have you spent wondering what God is doing with you? It’s none of your business”…

 

[Episkopos]

And as if in answer, here’s the first thing I read when I pick up my reading where I left off just now - “how much time have you spent wondering what God is doing with you? It’s none of your business”…

Amen. Focus on God so that He will focus on you. Seek first the kingdom...and He will look after your needs.