I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me until I went into your Temple.  Psalm 73: 16-17a 

The Psalmist was trying to figure out why wicked people seem to get along pretty well in the world. There are plenty of other problems too difficult for me to figure out on my own. Some problems just can’t be unraveled by our minds. The image of Star Trek’s supremely rational Spock may appeal to some of us, but we are total beings, not just intellects. Reason is good as far as it goes, but it doesn’t go far enough at times. Some situations we have to feel our way through with our hearts. We walk by faith, not by sight, as Scripture tells us. If we limit our vision to only what rational minds can understand, we may miss what can only be seen with the eyes of faith.

 I find that when God is preparing me for a lesson of the heart, my mind usually becomes confused. Someone once told me that confusion is good, because that means I am getting ready to look at things in a new way.  Confusion also slows me down, allowing God’s wisdom to get a word in edgewise between my flitting thoughts. There’s been more than one time in my life when a solution to a problem appeared only after I gave up trying to figure it out and prayed for guidance. For example, writing this meditation. I wanted to share a personal example in this meditation, but the more I tried to think of one, the more stumped I became. Finally, I gave up and left the piece unfinished. I prayed for guidance before beginning work today. As I reviewed what I had already written, it became clear that this process itself was an example. Entering God’s Presence opens us up to the wisdom of His bigger picture.

Prayer:  May I remember to surrender my confusion and frustrations to You, Lord.

Reflection for sharing: Are you facing some confusion or frustration that you would like to bring into God’s presence today?