Resurrection encounters

How much joy do you have in life? 

I don't have to tell you how much I have (or don't have). If you read here you know I do not tip towards the joyful side. That hasn't always been true though. I can still vaguely remember when I was ALIVE with the joy of the Lord. Where has that gone...

In chapter 7 of Trevor Hudson's book Seeking God he gives some ideas on how to capture (or recapture) the resurrection joy of Jesus.

From the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius he suggests the practice of meditating on the resurrection encounters with Jesus in Scripture. He notes that as we interact with these resurrection stories there are three common features:

1. people at the end of their rope
2. a gradual recognition of Jesus
3. a commissioning for ministry. 

I think this a worthwhile exercise to pursue.

Hudson also offers Ignatius's "Rules for the Discernment of Spirits" in this chapter. You know, when a thought or feeling comes to us, how do we know if it's from God or somewhere else?

Ignatius offered two broad categories for identifying these inner movements of the heart as: spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation. Is what we're feeling drawing us toward God, or away from God? Are we living in a more Christ-like way, or a less Christ-like way? He suggests the fruit of the Spirit is a good determiner (which reminds me of Tom's idea of the relationship of the fruit to discipleship).

Anyway, another really, really good chapter. And, as with all of these, they require a revisit, or practice. It's not just reading for the sake of reading. It's reading and learning a new way of being - with suggested exercises along the way.

Good stuff.