I loved this. Don’t pray for clarity pray for trust. Sometimes we just need to move forward even with doubt. I spent a lot of time stationary because I didn’t step out in faith. Clarity is nice but the stepping out is the trust
That's a good question! Clarity, to me, is a perfect sense of sight. Wisdom is more about "the way" in which we know we should go about doing something. Interestingly, I find that I often lean on wisdom when I don't have clarity.
I really enjoyed this piece. Like you, I also had a great sense of God's 'clarity' or indeed His presence in my younger years. Then, about 10 or 12 years ago, almost like a bulb burnt out, that sense was absent, and I've been in a mild panic about it ever since. I've wondered: am I less... spiritually attuned to the Holy now? What happened? But no, I'm not. And what happened, I think, is that God called me to the next circle, a tighter one, to be closer to Him, which is what I wanted. But to do that I had to stop relying on that comfortable feeling and start building a stronger faith. Sorry for the ramble. Anyway, thank you.
Awesome challenge and encouragement. I’ve been doing a lot of wrestling with recently finding out I’m AuDHD and how a neurodiverse brain insects with theology and a life of following Jesus. And let me tell you, as someone who wants life to be clear, black and white, and put into a syllabus so I can follow it well and get a good grade to impress the Big Man, it’s opposite and upside down. There’s a lot of surrendering and meltdowns I’ve been working through in my faith to drop my idol and pursuit of clarity and certainty, which I often cling to as a safety net as a person who’s brain works a smidge differently. And I’m infinitely grateful that Jesus knows and is kind and understanding as we flail about trying to be in and offer His kingdom life here and now. 💕
Good article. At first I wasn't understanding the use of the word clarity when first reading it. I must agree with Sister Teresa's statement as well as yours. We are called to walk in faith and wholly trust God. I think Hebrews 11 gives us message. Thank you
Thanks for your excellent thoughts on clarity-made made me think of I corinthians13:12-“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
I usually like your stuff but this one seems a bit fuzzy. Unclear. Just kidding! Great point and well substantiated. Appreciate your clarity on the unclear, A.J.!
I preordered and filled out all the registrations and when I went to download the first chapter after submitting sign up for the group it was gone ugh. Anyway to get without redoing every step again? If not I’ll wait for the book. Thanks
Thanks, Cathleen! That is awesome to hear. Do this for me, send me a message through the contact form on my home page. I'll see if the publisher needs to resend it your way.
And still I do not understand why Jesus left so many people without clarity and understanding. When people confuse me they frustrate me. Why would He do that?
I read this after posting a prayer for clarity. I get where you’re coming from and agree life is messy. Sometimes you simply need to know the validity of your next step.
I love this! In the Ignatian studies we lean into what’s called “Holy Indifference “. Trusting God for the outcomes. Letting go of our own expectations.
I loved this. Don’t pray for clarity pray for trust. Sometimes we just need to move forward even with doubt. I spent a lot of time stationary because I didn’t step out in faith. Clarity is nice but the stepping out is the trust
Amazing. Curious- how would you differentiate praying for clarity versus praying for wisdom as is outlined in James 1?
That's a good question! Clarity, to me, is a perfect sense of sight. Wisdom is more about "the way" in which we know we should go about doing something. Interestingly, I find that I often lean on wisdom when I don't have clarity.
Interesting! I think I often say “clarity” when I mean what you just said about wisdom.
I really enjoyed this piece. Like you, I also had a great sense of God's 'clarity' or indeed His presence in my younger years. Then, about 10 or 12 years ago, almost like a bulb burnt out, that sense was absent, and I've been in a mild panic about it ever since. I've wondered: am I less... spiritually attuned to the Holy now? What happened? But no, I'm not. And what happened, I think, is that God called me to the next circle, a tighter one, to be closer to Him, which is what I wanted. But to do that I had to stop relying on that comfortable feeling and start building a stronger faith. Sorry for the ramble. Anyway, thank you.
Awesome challenge and encouragement. I’ve been doing a lot of wrestling with recently finding out I’m AuDHD and how a neurodiverse brain insects with theology and a life of following Jesus. And let me tell you, as someone who wants life to be clear, black and white, and put into a syllabus so I can follow it well and get a good grade to impress the Big Man, it’s opposite and upside down. There’s a lot of surrendering and meltdowns I’ve been working through in my faith to drop my idol and pursuit of clarity and certainty, which I often cling to as a safety net as a person who’s brain works a smidge differently. And I’m infinitely grateful that Jesus knows and is kind and understanding as we flail about trying to be in and offer His kingdom life here and now. 💕
My goodness, thank you for sharing that, Alex! Yes, to all of it.
Good article. At first I wasn't understanding the use of the word clarity when first reading it. I must agree with Sister Teresa's statement as well as yours. We are called to walk in faith and wholly trust God. I think Hebrews 11 gives us message. Thank you
Thanks for your excellent thoughts on clarity-made made me think of I corinthians13:12-“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
"But don’t make the gift of clarity into the idol of certainty." So good. A meme for our times! And the post ministered to me personally. Thanks!
I always enjoy your thoughtful and learned perspective, A.J.. Ironically, you are helping to provide clarity!
Such a good word to lean into.
I usually like your stuff but this one seems a bit fuzzy. Unclear. Just kidding! Great point and well substantiated. Appreciate your clarity on the unclear, A.J.!
LOL! Well, I'm glad to give some clarity to our weird views on clarity. :)
This was much needed, thankyou!
I preordered and filled out all the registrations and when I went to download the first chapter after submitting sign up for the group it was gone ugh. Anyway to get without redoing every step again? If not I’ll wait for the book. Thanks
Thanks, Cathleen! That is awesome to hear. Do this for me, send me a message through the contact form on my home page. I'll see if the publisher needs to resend it your way.
I can wait. Thank you very excited for it
So good bro. Always appreciate you.
And still I do not understand why Jesus left so many people without clarity and understanding. When people confuse me they frustrate me. Why would He do that?
Good question! If you'd be open to it, I can offer a response on the Monday Office Hours!
I read this after posting a prayer for clarity. I get where you’re coming from and agree life is messy. Sometimes you simply need to know the validity of your next step.
I love this! In the Ignatian studies we lean into what’s called “Holy Indifference “. Trusting God for the outcomes. Letting go of our own expectations.