Good morning…
I happen upon a German word, “Zerrissenheit,” which means “torn-to-pieces-hood.” Researching further, I meet some synonyms. Rift. Strife. Disunity. Fragmentation. Brokenness. Disjointedness. Inner turmoil or conflict. “Zerrissenheit,” what a perfect word to meet two weeks before Election Day 2020.
If feels like we are living in a ragged state of “torn-to-pieces-hood.” Some think this, others think that. Some question this, others question that. Some proclaim this, others proclaim that. Some argue this, others argue that. Some fear this, others fear that. We are living divided, fractured, pulled in a dozen different directions … and yet we yearn for serenity, for some healing of our “torn-to-pieces-hood.”
Jesus asks: “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis” (Matthew 11:28, TPT).
We reply: Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help] (Psalm 61:1-2, AMP).
Our conversation unfolds: I waited a long time for the Eternal; He finally knelt down to hear me. He listened to my weak and whispered cry. He reached down and drew me from the deep, dark hole where I was stranded, mired in the muck and clay. With a gentle hand, He pulled me out to set me down safely on a warm rock; He held me until I was steady enough to continue the journey again.
As if that were not enough, because of Him my mind is clearing up. Now I have a new song to sing—a song of praise to the One who saved me. Because of what He’s done, many people will see and come to trust in the Eternal (Psalm 40:1-2, VOICE).
Our Lord explains: I’ll show what it’s like when someone comes to me, hears my words, and puts them into practice. It’s like a person building a house by digging deep and laying the foundation on bedrock. When the flood came, the rising water smashed against that house, but the water couldn’t shake the house because it was well built (Luke 6:47-48, CEB).
Zerrissenheit, our state of “torn-to-pieces-hood,” serves a very valuable purpose. Wearied by the world, we surrender to a higher way. Digging deep into God’s bedrock, we rest secure, well built. Many will sense our serenity and come to trust in the Eternal.
…Sue…
