So, I just finished reading The Shack by William Young this past weekend. Have any of you read it? It will definitely make you think and I recommend it...just be prepared to keep an open mind and let it challenge you. The section of the book that hit closest to home was this part where Jesus and Mack were conversing:
"When I dwell with you, I do so in the present - I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure, I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine. Mack, do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you?"
"...You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming reality, and then you try and make plans and contingencies to avoid what you fear."
Boy, is that me!! For the most part, I live my life in the future and am fearful. It's true...when I think about the things that I fear the most, I do not picture Jesus there with me. I only picture me, failing at whatever life throws my way. Whenever I am not focused on the future, I am dwelling in the past and thinking about the person I used to be, the accomplishments that I had, and how I lived my life before the anxiety attacks came. I'm still me, I just can't do all that I once did and that makes me sad. I miss that version of me and I hope I'm that person again one day. Back to The Shack...
When Mack asked why he had so much fear in his life, Jesus replied, "Because you don't believe. You don't know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love. I am not talking about rational fears regarding legitimate dangers, but imagined fears, and especially the projection of those into the future. To the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you. You sing about it, you talk about it, but you don't know it."
Ouch! He got me there. I don't think it occurred to me that all of this boils down to the fact that I don't truly know how much He loves me and that he will protect me. It's not all up to me. I don't have to do this by myself, but it's so hard to just turn it over to Him...fully. Ok, there's a lot more sections that I liked, but I think I'll stop here for now. Let me know your thoughts if you read it too!
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- Jill
- McKinney, Texas, United States
- I am a native Oklahoman living in North Texas. In June 2005, I married Tim, the love of my life. I am a teacher, but most importantly, I'm a daughter of the King.
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6 comments:
I have fears too and definitely try to protect myself from negative emotions and situations. Actually remembering God is bigger than whatever my situation is and that not only that He can, but WILL keep His promises is a daily focus of my walk.
The thing I remember as well is it's not about not having fear or it wouldn't take courage to do (fill in the blank).
The thing about The Shack that made the biggest impression on me was when Mac was coming back across the lake from being with Jesus on the island. He was hoping that he could walk on the water again like he did on the way over to the island. But, he thought it didn't really matter if he couldn't because, even though the water was cold and deep, no problem. He was a good swimmer! Oh, that is SO me! And, Jesus just said to Mac when he started out (and knowing that he was thinking about walking on the water), "Mac, it's a lot easier to do when I am with you." Ouch! So simple - so true! This whole section spoke to my ego and the fact that I just want to do it myself (whatever IT is)! That was so powerful to me! As we have discussed, the book is not intended to be taken as "the gospel," but there are a lot of great points made. Love, Mom
Sorry, I haven't read the book. I'll put it on my list. :)
I often wish I was the same person today that I was ten years ago...I certainly like that person better than who I am now. :)
But I don't think any of us are the "person we used to be" as we get older.
So, I understand where you're coming from. It's real hard for me to adjust to change. It's hard on every aspect of my life (social, marriage, self-esteem, etc.) I've just learned that running away from change is not the answer. Adressing it head-on the way God intended will not make it go away, but it makes it much easier to deal with!
Jill, I have had The Shack sitting on my nightstand for several months, and haven't read it yet. It is one of my goals for this summer, though. You have further inspired me to get on that! :) Your thoughts on remembering back to who you were before the anxiety attacks came on is such a familiar thought to me. Anxiety attacks hit me 3 years ago and although God has brought me out of the darkest times, I still struggle some days and often feel forever changed. I would love to talk more about our journeys if you ever want to! Finding support in other Christian women who have had a similar journey has been so great for me! Email me if you want:(ajohnson@calvarychristian.org)
Amber Johnson
i am reading it right now, dave already read it. Jeanne Priest recommended it to me! I just joined a book club and that is the book we are reading! I will let you know what I think. I am at the part where God just shows up at the Shack!
Yes, it's an amazing book. One of the best I've ever read. I keep praying that God will remind me of many of the truths I learned in the book. It is so easy to forget. One thing that might help you that I find myself repeating internally atleast once a day is when Papa says "Paradigm determines perception, perception determines emotion." When I am feeling a yucky emotion, I just check to see if my perception is accurate--as Papa mentions. It almost never is and that really helps me when I am feeling fearful. Thank you for sharing and being so honest. Just remember that God is constantly shaping you into the person He has planned for and so the person you are right now is with much purpose! Love you.
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