The Mover
O SUPREME MOVING CAUSE,
May I always be subordinate to thee,
Be dependent upon thee,
be found in the path where thou dost walk,
and where thy Spirit moves,
take heed of estrangement from thee,
of becoming insensible to thy love.
Thou dost not move men like stones,
but dost endue them with life,
not to enable them to move without thee,
but in submission to thee, the first mover.
O Lord, I am astonished at the difference
between my receiving and my deserving,
between the state I am now in
and my past gracelessness,
between the heaven I am bound for and
the hell I merit.
Who made me to differ, but thee?
for I was no more ready to receive Christ
than were others;
I could not have begun to love thee
hadst thou not first loved me ,
or been willing unless thou
hadst first made me so.
O that such a crown
should fit the head of such a sinner!
such high advancement be for an unfruitful person!
such joys for so vile a rebel!
Infinite wisdom cast the design of salvation
into the mold of purchase and freedom;
Let wrath deserved be written on the door of hell,
But the free gift of grace on the gate of heaven.
I know that my sufferings
are the result of my sinning,
but in heaven both shall cease;
Grant me to attain this haven
and be done with sailing,
and may the gales of thy mercy
blow me safely into harbor.
Let thy love draw me nearer to thyself,
wean me from sin, mortify me to this world,
and make me ready for my departure hence.
Secure me by thy grace
as I sail across this stormy sea.
—Henri J. M. Nouwen,
Bread for the Journey
We have choices to make. Here’s an important choice: What spiritual practices are you incorporating, or ready to try, to deepen your relationship with God? And what is it that you need to do, or work on, or overcome, that your choices will impact? How will this help you spiritually? The choices we make are important. Give time for prayer and discernment in your decisions. Where is God nudging you? “For the Lord gives wisdom: from God’s mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6). —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics