A year ago this month I posted this article on Hiddenness by Henri Nouwen. Today, I feel led to re-post it. Mainly for my benefit as the words are more meaningful to me now.
Some times it can be really hard for me to be in this place of hiddenness. But, through this time, I have found out it is a place of humbleness and a "pride buster!"
For my new blog followers, this may be the first time you are reading this and you too may benefit as well.
Hiddenness is an essential quality of the spiritual life. Solitude, silence, ordinary tasks, being with people without great agendas, sleeping, eating, working, playing … all of that without being different from others, that is the life that Jesus lived and the life he asks us to live.
It is in hiddenness that we, like Jesus, can increase “in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and with people” (Luke 2:51). It is in hiddenness that we can find a true intimacy with God and a true love for people.
Even during his active ministry, Jesus continued to return to hidden places to be alone with God. If we don’t have a hidden life with God, our public life for God cannot bear fruit.
One of the reasons that hiddenness is such an important aspect of the spiritual life is that it keeps us focused on God. In hiddenness we do not receive human acclamation, admiration, support, or encouragement. In hiddenness we have to go to God with our sorrows and joys and trust that God will give us what we most need.
In our society we are inclined to avoid hiddenness. We want to be seen and acknowledged. We want to be useful to others and influence the course of events. But as we become visible and popular, we quickly grow dependent on people and their responses and easily lose touch with God, the true source of our being. Hiddenness is the place of purification. In hiddenness we find our true selves.
by Henri Nouwen
Hiddenness is the place of purification. In hiddenness we find our true selves...This part is so true.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Tammy
Timely post. I need to be reminded of that everyday coz there are so many things that distract me from having a quiet time with GOd. Thanks for sharing again:)
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR THE REPEATE JBR. I CAN ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING NEW IN RE-READING.
ReplyDeleteQUIET TIME WITH GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD.
ReplyDeleteJBR a refresher is always welcomed. Like with the Bible, there are some passages I can read many times and it will not jump out at me the meaning until the 10th time I read it. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteNice article. I don't like to be the center of attention. So its no problem for me to be hidden. :)
ReplyDeletewow, when I have strayed, I often try to 'hide' from God thinking he won't notice my uncleanliness...hah, it is I who I'm trying to fool, not Him because I do know better. Thank you for sharing this as I had not read it the first time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great article! There is a lot to grab a hold of in it. The people pleaser in me needs to be reminded of this. "In hiddenness we do not receive human acclamation, admiration, support, or encouragement. In hiddenness we have to go to God with our sorrows and joys and trust that God will give us what we most need." My affirmation comes from Him! Feeling much better JBR! Thanks for everything!
ReplyDeleteI always learn so much from his writings and it's been a while since I've read this. Thank you so much for sharing- I know it is from the Lord.
ReplyDeleteHenri Nouwen is a great author. You know we brought nothing into this world that it is leaving with us. So many people are living as though today doesn’t matter. They live as though the only purpose which today serves is to provide a better, more comfortable life for tomorrow. The Bible teaches, “Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others.” Galatians 6:4 In hiddenness doing the will of God behind the scene is the best form of being blessed.
ReplyDeleteThought-provoking and inspiring! :) I want it to be God first and foremost who I depend on, and I agree a hiddenness is how this can happen.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! Thank you, JBR! I might print this one out for the refrigerator!
ReplyDeleteGlad that your blogger account is back in your control! Hope you had a nice weekend. xx
Hiddenness is the place of purification. In hiddenness we find our true selves.
ReplyDeletehmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..amen..I loved this post. Thanks for the sharpening...what a blessing to know the word now that I have been living ...hiddenness. I like that..I LOVE it! Funny, I was walking hope from work and talkin to the Lord about..'if all forsake me, You are here! '....sigh...