Post by tomdurst on Aug 9, 2019 22:09:49 GMT -5
THE DIVINE THERAPY
When we commit to times of Silence in which we are willing to let go of our attachments to words, thoughts, and emotions, a process of “Divine Therapy” begins. Issues that need healing which have been buried in our subconscious mind, perhaps for many years, will start to surface and this can be disconcerting. We won’t always feel joyful. At times we may even feel depressed as these issues surface. Don’t give up but continue the practice of Silence. You may need to cut back on the frequency or length of your times of Silence but over time these issues will be healed. Divine Therapy is not dependent on human will power or cleverness but is a process of the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit (see Zechariah 4:6). The fact that either negative or positive thoughts, words, and emotions keep arising does NOT mean you are doing something wrong. You just have to decide at some point whether you will cling to them during the time of Silence or let them float by and come back to them at some other time as needed. Our willingness to let them go and not attach to them is what brings the healing. When we have this willingness we are opening the door so that we can experience the Divine Presence at a deeper level, although it may not feel like it at times. Jesus is still the healer of broken hearts, minds, and bodies(see Hebrews 13:8). You can safely place yourself in His hands
Also, by way of clarification, I use the word “Silence” with a capital “S” to more clearly state what I mean. Such labels as Centering Prayer, Contemplative Meditation, and others are often used but since these words have such a variety of meanings I choose simply to use “Silence” which specifically refers to a time in which you are willing to let go and let God bring healing to your entire being—body, soul, and spirit.
"The world of men has forgotten the joys of silence, the peace of solitude, which is necessary, to some extent, for the fullness of human living. Man cannot be happy for long unless he is in contact with the springs of spiritual life which are hidden in the depths of his own soul. If man is exiled constantly from his own home, locked out of his spiritual solitude, he ceases to be a true person."--Thomas Merton
Let these simple but very powerful scriptures speak to your heart: Exodus 14:13; Psalm 37:7; 46:10; Isaiah 26:3; 30:15; 40:30-31; Matthew 6:5-8; Acts 17:28; Romans 8:26-27; Jude 20.
On the UNION WITH GOD FORUM there is a whole section of short posts on Silence and what it is about. If you want to grow in this practice I recommend that you read all of them:
THE SONG OF THE HEART