Quote
It takes more courage to dig deep into the dark areas of your soul than a soldier to fight on a battlefield. -William Butler Yates
Preface
William Butler Yates was born into a Protestant family, his spiritual journey took him beyond traditional religious boundaries, and he explored a variety of esoteric and mystical beliefs throughout his life. His works often synthesize diverse spiritual influences rather than adherence to a specific religious faith.
An example of this synthesis is noted in his abovementioned statement, which suggests that introspection and self-examination require a significant amount of courage, perhaps even more than the physical courage required on a battlefield.
Courage
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV):
Looking deeper into Yates’s quote one of the initial things that can be noted is that true courage involves each of us facing and acknowledging our flaws by digging deeper into our souls.
Such self-reflection will disclose the inner darkness that produces our need to confront our disclosed vulnerabilities and mistakes that we have made. This process can and is oftentimes uncomfortable, requiring inner strength.
Embracing our disclosed vulnerabilities is the battle between our external lives versus our inner lives. Yates’s comparison with a soldier in battle highlights the inner warring with self that can be as demanding as the external challenges in our lives.
Quote
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
Recognizing and working on overcoming these intense inner battles is a powerful and courageous spiritual process. The power of God, the Holy Spirit, and an intimate relationship with the Messiah produce authenticity. A deeper understanding and acceptance of self empowers us to explore both the negative and positive aspects of our lives.
Learning to have compassion for others is a most wonderful virtue that is birthed by us forgiving ourselves as God exposes our darkness within. By understanding our complexity we can foster a more compassionate and understanding disposition toward others.
God’s Mercy!
In the Hebrew Bible, mercy is often described as a characteristic or attribute of God. The term is used to convey a loving God’s compassionate and forgiving nature, particularly toward humanity. Godly mercy involves showing kindness and compassion to those who are undeserving or who have fallen short of God’s standards.
A key aspect of the biblical understanding of mercy is the idea of God withholding punishment or judgment that is rightfully deserved. Instead of meting out justice, God extends mercy to individuals, offering them an opportunity for repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
Beloved, many passages in the Bible emphasize the importance of God’s mercy, and they often highlight the reciprocal nature of mercy, urging faithful believers to show mercy to others just as God has shown mercy to them.
One well-known verse that encapsulates this idea is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, ESV)
Quote
“God’s mercy is like a river; it flows to the lowest part.” – Anonymous
Closing Words of Encouragement
Spiritual growth and inner self-discovery will require a strong prayer life; constant seeking refuge in our Heavenly Father as our only source of strength, and support in times of trouble.
All of which requires that we willfully submit to God’s Spirit for spiritual learning and guidance.
Lastly, we are to remain ever-so-close to God’s presence, and all of His provisions, as He has committed to never leave or forsake us.
Prayer
This is what everyone faithful should pray at a time when You can be found.
Then, when the flood waters are raging, they will not reach Him.
You are my hiding place, You will keep me from distress;
You will surround me with songs of deliverance.
I will instruct and teach you in the way that you are to go;
I will give you counsel, My eyes will be watching you. Psalm 32:6-8
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo Thornton
