souldare

The grass withers, the flower fades,
    but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8 ESV)

 

As I have read through Brother Lawrence’s conversations and letters, I have not found any direct mention of the Scriptures. It seems that God’s presence and His Word were synonymous to Brother Lawrence.

He sought God’s will and pleasure. Part of the rhythm of his monastic life included recitation of the psalms throughout the day at appointed times.

I believe his life must have been drenched in God’s word.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. (Psalm 119:147 ESV)

His heart was tuned to GOD in word, in thought, in prayers for others and in his everyday business. His aim was to be conscious of GOD every moment.

He offers practical advice for keeping one’s heart tuned to love GOD actively:

” . . .that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to GOD; that we might accustom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with freedom and simplicity. That we need only to recognize GOD intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we beg His assistance for knowing His will in things doubtful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done.”

God’s word was alive and active in his soul, leading Him to seek God’s will and even relying on God to accomplish that will, both specifically and generally. He offers his acts of obedience to God, and I love how he give thanks to God after completing His will. In all his ways, he acknowledges that God alone enables Him to do good.

As I continue this practice of GOD+ART, I pause to celebrate and thank GOD for creating time and space to worship HIM. Oh, what love and goodness, Jesus lavishes on us every moment.

What are you celebrating in your relationship with GOD?