new church life: jan uary/february 2017
note that “the universe is governed
by the Lord with no trouble, but
very easily.” (Spiritual Experiences
2234, 499, 2466, 3168)
Yet one can speak of the Lord
having an easier time of leading
those who are willing to follow:
The Lord is present in our
lives more than we can
ever imagine. Without it
we would have no hope
for salvation. His mighty
power is an immediate
presence, caressing our
minds and gently leading
us to see what we would
not otherwise and do what
we inherently would not.
. . . since it pleases the Lord to lead
people according to order, it is therefore
easier to lead one who is in order than
one who is not in order. The latter must
first be led back to the path, into order,
and this takes place over a period of
time, so as not to break the person.”
(Spiritual Experiences 1937; see also
2223, 3283, 4396)
Also, the Lord can be said to be
very active during our temptations.
“Nor does He rest until love acts as
principal; then the combat ceases.”
(Arcana Coelestia 63, 84, 87, 851, 852, 8893; True Christian Religion 46, 302)
And after temptations have been successfully endured, “there is a state of the
conjunction of good and truth, thus at that time a state of rest for the Lord
also.” (Arcana Coelestia 8506)
This is a wonderful appearance that we need to have of the Lord, especially
when we are going through spiritual struggles. It can give us an affectional
sense of His love for us and His efforts on our behalf. “[T]he salvation of the
righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” (Psalm
37:39)
Conclusion
The Lord is present in our lives more than we can ever imagine. Without it we
would have no hope for salvation. His mighty power is an immediate presence,
caressing our minds and gently leading us to see what we would not otherwise
and do what we inherently would not.
Our freedom is paramount because we do have to make choices – what we
will allow our thinking process to focus upon, what we will say, what we will
do. The Lord will never compel us nor break us. But He will insistently knock
at our doors, urging and pressing us as much as is possible.
This is a function of the Divine love. It is omnipresent and passionate
about reaching us and leading us for our own good. It cannot sit back and
watch from afar. Nor can it simply let us make hellish choice after hellish
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