The Difficulty of Christianity ⋆ A Delightful Glow

“The problem with Christianity is not that it has been tried and found wanting, but that it has been found difficult and left untried.”
~ G.K. Chesterton

The ever and always paradox of a Christian.
The tug and pull of formation.
The desire to divert to least resistance.
The difficulty we create for our very own selves.

The challenge presented: pry our grasping fingers from this flesh we clutch, the control we crave, the constant desire of distraction.

Stillness equates with lack of accomplishment.

Solitude confronts us with our self we would rather ignore.

Gratitude, a chore.

Grace, so simplistic we’re sure we must strive.

Prayer….answers please…..the ones I have written for my own story.

Peace, impossible surely, in a world clamoring with chaos.

Fasting ~ in direct opposition to the algorithms and ads which feed my feed and my flesh more, more, more.

Faith, ah, it demands too much, requires hope and trust.

Lament ~ let me not pause to notice ache or acknowledge injustice, for then I am confronted by my own lack, my failure, my love of self.

Love, must I? People are needy and demanding. Furthermore, love hurts, lets us down.

When I deem it all too much, too difficult, I leave it all untried, the edges of my life begin to wear, wear away, the durability tested, the health of myself tried, and found terribly wanting.

The paradox shows up.

He holds out His hand. Unfolds His other palm. Light enfolds us.

“Try me,” He beckons. “Sit in my company. Still. Learn this life of freedom. Live lightly. Open your grasp. Stop striving. Step into abundance.”

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
~ Matthew 11:28-30

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
~ Matthew 11:28‭-‬30

The difficulty? The difficulty, this.
Releasing, relinquishing, surrendering, submitting my all, my everything, all control, each minute of my life into His tender care and keeping.
In turn, with palms open, ready, receiving, His freeness and lightness.

A paradox indeed.
What we deem difficult, He redefines as effortless, simple, free.