I recently started Spiritual Direction and have found it to be incredibly enlightening. Especially as I learn more about myself and the attributes the Lord has blessed me with.
I have always been the type of person who could “stand alone,” in the sense of being able to accomplish tasks efficiently, accurately, and without supervision. In fact I have always found it demeaning to be micromanaged. “You don’t trust me to get it done on my own?”
I think I have transferred this to God as well. “Lord, I got this. You don’t need to keep an eye on me every second. Haven’t I proven I can get it done? Over and over again?”
But the Lord shows me in a mediation from the Gospel of Luke that it isn’t “micromanaging.” It is rather a helping hand, a strengthening, and a direction.
The Gospel Of Luke
And He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I am consummated.
Nevertheless I must walk today and tomorrow and the day following, because it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets, and stones them that are sent to thee, how often would I have gathered thy children as the bird doth her brood under her wings, and thou wouldest not?
Behold your house shall be left to you desolate. And I say to you, that you shall not see Me till the time come, when you shall say, ‘Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.’
-Luke 13:32-35
My Meditation
Have you ever watched those live feeds they have on Eagle nests? Where is streams 24/7 so you can watch the parents take care of their young. I love watching them take care of their babies. The way they gather the chicks underneath them. To protect them and to keep them warm. The Lord does this with me too. A gentle drawing in towards Himself. To protect, to warm, to comfort, to love.
As I was thinking about this a Litany, of sorts, poured into my brain and out of my heart.
Gather me up, Lord, my poor pitiful soul.
Gather me into the warmth of Thy grace, though I am an ungrateful creature.
Gather me up, Lord, because I have no strength myself.
Gather me under the protection of Thy Precious Blood, for I fall too easily for the lies of the devil.
Gather me in Thy power, for I am prone to weakness.
Gather me in Thy humility, for I am full of pride.
Gather me in Thy joy, for I am prone to despair.
Gather me in They patience, for I am always in a hurry.
Gather me in Your wounded heart, for I suffer so poorly.
Gather me in Your suffering, for I often seek my own comfort.
Gather me in Thy light, for I am filled with darkness.
Gather me in Thy purity, because I too often fall into sin.
Gather me in Thy Love, every blooming, every giving, for I am a selfish woman.
This outpouring was difficult for me because I am a person who strives to stand on my own feet. I am stoic, responsible, respectful, and dependable. All good things that the Lord has infused into me.
But also things that the devil likes to twist and use against me. He likes making me unable to say no and then take on everything. He likes disconnecting me from pain, especially physical pain. He likes to keep me silent when I know I should say something.
It is hard for me to ask for help, when I have been living with this deception for so long. Even asking for God’s help is hard. It must feel like pulling teeth. If it was anyone other than God, they would get impatient and aggravated. Thankfully He waits patiently for me to ask Him, in my quiet insecure way.
Being gathered underneath His protection helps me to accomplish what He wants me to do. It strengthens me when I feel weak. It provides the direction for His will.
Take some time this week and let the Lord Gather you up. Let Him take you in to comfort you, strengthen you, heal you, teach you, and to love you.
Thrive in Jesus, my Friends!
Do you have trouble asking for help? How does the devil lie to you? What are your good attributes? How can you let the Lord gather you in today?
Leave a comment and let me know!