The Arena of Struggle

When it comes to emptying our heart so that the Holy Spirit can fill it completely with His presence and power, the last things let go are not the things held in the hand, but the things being given safe haven in our hearts.   We may think it is different.  We may think that the real struggles of life are over our wealth and prosperity, our sense of well being and our carefully constructed security systems, or maybe even things like public opinion and the way we are given respect by our peers.  But, the things we can see, the things we can touch, and the rest of the external stuff of life can be turned loose by some radical act of resolve while the heart remains unchanged.

 

What we hold in our hands in some way is a reflection of what lays hidden in our heart.  Why is it that our wealth is so important to us?  Why is it that we are elated by the "atta boys" and the slaps on the back we get from approving peers?  Why is it that we build such lavish monuments to ourselves and spend a life time paying for them?  Why is that we always make sure we have some ace in the hold just in case life becomes unmanageable?  Maybe common sense and being responsible is part of the reason, but to what degree might it also represent our unwillingness to radically trust God to provide whatever it is that is needed whenever it is needed?

 

The external things are important to us.  They reflect the attitudes, values, and priorities that motivate our every action from the depth of our heart.  These are the last areas we are willing to turn over to the control of the Holy Spirit.  These are the important things.  We hold them until last, and may not even let go of them at all,  as we enter into the emptying process necessary for the Holy Spirit to pour out God's sanctifying power in our lives.  Here is the real struggle.  Here is the arena where the battles of repentance and confession will finally be fought.