That Awesome Place


Journeying, with faltering steps, into the holy place…

The closer I come
to the source of true holiness
the more aware I become
- of my innate tendency
to selfishness & sinfulness
- of the secret things,
which defile who I am.

And my heart grieves that
I break His heart, with
my insolence and obstinacy

~~~~

The impurities I see within
are set in contrast to the
beauty of His perfections,
yet rather than pushing me away,
I am drawn closer, ever closer
into that awesome place
where grace is extended
where cleansing is effected
where life is exchanged

and I arise clothed
in a righteousness, not my own

Alec Depledge




Ataraxia


Greek for undisturbed or untroubled “ataraxia” is a place of inner peace or calm,
in spite of external circumstances.

St Paul wrote these timeless words:
“… Your life is hidden with Christ in God…”
so adding to the Psalmist’s poetic insights
recorded in Psalm 18 (recommended reading).
In this reflective ditty I see a movement from
inner turmoil (the reality of many of us)
to a place of “ataraxia”
found through abiding “in Christ”
and I pray this will be your felt experience today.

~~~

Calm that raging storm within
Tumult of both wind and sea
Still me into quietness
May Your peace hold sway in me

~~~

Under shelter of Your wing
May I rest from all alarm
Safely held in strong embrace
Kept from all that could cause harm

~~~

Living in that spacious place
Rock of Ages split for me
Trusting in Your loving care
Hidden there eternally

~~~

Alec Depledge

~~~

see also: poems




Who Are You, Lord?

While Praying One Day A Woman Asked,
"Who Are You, Lord?"

He Answered, "I Am".

But, Who Is I Am? She Said.

And He Replied .."I Am Love, I Am Peace,
I Am Grace, I Am Joy,
I Am The Way, Truth, And The Light ...
I Am The Comforter,
I Am Strength, I Am Safety,
I Am Shelter, I Am Power, I Am The Creator,
I Am The Beginning And The End,
I Am The Most High".

The Girl With Tears In Her Eyes Looked
Toward Heaven And Said,
"Now I Understand.

But Lord, Who Am I?"
Then God Tenderly Wiped The Tears
From Her Eyes And Whispered,
"You Are Mine".



Jesus said I am

Follow me; I am the way, the truth, and the life.
~~
Without the way there is no going;
Without the truth there is no knowing;
Without the life there is no living.
Thomas a Kempis



He was made what we are, that He might make us what He is Himself.
Irenaeus



Jesus is not one of many ways to approach God,
nor is He the best of several ways;
He is the only way.
A. W. Tozer




Dear God,

I so much want to be in control.
I want to be the master of my own destiny.
Still I know that you are saying:
“Let me take you by the hand and lead you.
Accept my love
and trust that where I will bring you,
the deepest desires of your heart will be fulfilled.”
Lord, open my hands to receive your gift of love.
Amen.

Henri J. M. Nouwen