Way Life Is or Magic?

by John P. Cock©

Meditation 12
Motivation for the Great Work:
Forty Meaty Meditations for
the Great Work, pp. 75-77


GOD DOES NOT PROMISE . . .

long life
good health
financial security
a marriage that works
loving children
a nice house
a solid job
sweet dreams
no pain
a good education
kind in-laws
responsible government
safe cities
no taxes
good neighbors
cessation of wars
and the end of poverty.

Job in the Old Testament was getting clear: “Though God takes away my family, my possessions, and my health, yet will I trust him.”

Paul got clear: “Though Jesus’ way leads me to shipwreck, jail, persecution, and martyrdom on a cross upside down, yet I know that nothing can separate me from the love of God.”

Jesus was clear: “Let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.”

They found whom they could trust, who would not let them down, who would not let them go, who would go with them all the way.

GOD DOES PROMISE . . .

to love us absolutely
to be with us no matter what
to bind up our deepest wounds
everlasting arms to catch us when we’re falling
faithfulness amid our unfaithfulness
grace sufficient for every need
peace that passes understanding
a calling whether we want it or not
courage in spite of fear
purpose when we have lost our way
mercy without our ever asking
future when all seems impossible
balm for the deepest grief
forgiveness when we deserve none
more freedom than we will ever want
welcome home with open arms regardless
resurrection in this life
comfort when we are in greatest pain
refuge when the storms of life are raging
rest for the weariest
hope against hope
light in the darkest night
joy unspeakable

. . . all this abundant life, but not as the world promises or giveth.

Who gets in on these promises? All creation receives some, for example, grace and love. Universal holy writ is effulgent with the witness of those who cashed in on the rest of the promises of the One.
This type of traditional poetry still has power. Nothing is demanded except our utterly trusting the promises of God to be true and testing them to the limit, like Job, Paul, and Jesus did. 
Rereading the poetry, we are faced with two possible interpretations: 1) the way life is, or 2) magic. For me, there is no magic in God’s promises. Life is good and full of possibility; I am free to serve God’s creation. All that is required is my relentless Yes.

Reflection

1. Which of the non-promises (first list) do most people yearn for?

2. Which items of the first list do I wish were promised?

3. Most people yearn for which real promises (second list)?

4. Which promises of the second list have I received?

5. At this time, I yearn for which promise of the second list?

6. The poetry I use for “God did not promise/God promised” is ...

7. I know there is no magic because ...

8. What Job, Paul, and Jesus knew in their hearts is ...

9. I experienced what they knew when I was ...


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