Good morning. I hope you find yourself able to wake up into peace today.
This morning, I flipped through the preface to “The Knowledge of the Holy” by A. W. Tozer, and something stuck out to me, he writes:
“The words, ‘Be still, and know that I am God,’ mean next to nothing to the self-confident, bustling worshiper in this middle period of the twentieth century.” (Tozer, vii)
Tozer writes from 1961.
I was reflecting on this as I rested my head against the pillow of my couch. I believe the myth of “the capable person” is just as alive today as in Tozer’s time.
I also believe this myth robs us of our ability to truly worship a God who is capable in our place.
The Bible, in many ways and at many times, portrays humanity as children of God. And in many more ways, portrays us as truly helpless (see Ezekiel 16).
However, I think that most of us “modern folk” (and probably most folk throughout most of time) have it in our heads that God is actually waiting around for us to make ourselves capable before He helps us (“God helps those who help themselves,” as the saying goes).
Upon any serious biblical reflection, this idea really ought to be thrown out the window.
Tozer says that we have lost our ability to truly worship God, in majesty and awe, that we have lost “our ability to withdraw inwardly to meet God in adoring silence.” (Tozer, vii)
Why? Because self-sufficiency is an act of self-worship.
Trying to be capable, strong, self-sufficient, and confident isn’t an admirable quality, it’s pride (*he preaches to the choir).
The need to be capable comes from our inability to recognize God’s majesty, His glory, His sufficiency, His power, and His sovereignty.
Good news: God invites you to rest your head against His majesty, to be silent. To know that He is God and that you are not. To release the incessant need to be capable, and find that you are but a child, helpless. To recognize the majesty and awe, the beauty and splendor of God. To close your eyes, release the reigns, and pour out your love before a very capable God.
A. W. Tozer, “The Knowledge of the Holy.” Harper Collins, NY, 1961.
Image: Painting: Watercolor, “Olive Grove- France” by Thomas Habermann. 2012. https://fineartamerica.com/featured/olive-grove-france-thomas-habermann.html
