In a previous column, I explored the negative work of the Holy Spirit when we asked “what if the Spirit says ‘NO’?” But what happens when we receive an affirmative answer to our prayers? The assumption might be that Presbyterians would always joyfully embrace God’s direction in such a case and move immediately to make action plans to enable it.
Quite often, however, that is not the case. Sometimes when God gives us a clear answer it is not unusual to reconsider and get buyers’ remorse. It is at this exhilarating point that things can appear to be the most painful or difficult. Even if the congregation understands that in order to survive it needs to make major changes, the leaders and members may suddenly develop severe misgivings. Can we really do what God asks us to do? Do we have enough active members? Are finances sufficient? What if this directive calls us to develop entirely new models of preaching and radically different forms of outreach and mission?
In his short study, “The Spirituality of the Psalms,” Walter Bruggemann discusses the ways in which the psalmists approach orientation and disorientation. If it is difficult when everything is going wrong, he contends, the call to newness and a positive orientation can be equally traumatic. Although new direction can be exciting, surprising and fulfilling, and a church or individuals can be glad to be brought to a new place that involves God’s liberation, salvation, redemption, hope and healing, we live in a culture that often rejects this kind of change and movement out of chaos. “The dominant ideology of our culture is committed to continuity and success and the avoidance of pain, hurt and loss. The dominant culture is also resistant to genuine newness and real surprise. It is curious, but true, that surprise is as unwelcome as is loss. And our culture is organized to prevent the experience of both.”
According to Valerie K. Isenhower and Judith A. Todd in “Living Into Answers, A Workbook For Personal Spiritual Discernment,” it is possible to let cultural pressure, self-doubt or fear block a clear message of the Spirit. We develop “cover stories” and rationalizations that allow us to live in self-deception and prevent us from moving into wholeness. We do not want to take on a new job, enjoy the freedom of retirement, or make radical changes to our congregation because we are invested in our cover stories and cannot distinguish them from the real story being offered by God now in a new situation. Our fears are based on earlier experiences, observations of the failures of others or anxiety about change.
They suggest that if we know what God’s will is and are still reluctant to follow it we may have to relinquish some control. To shift from contemplation to action may require reaffirmation that the Holy Spirit really is directing us, the insights we have are correct, God wants abundance for us and God’s yearning for us is for wholeness and peace.
In 2 Corinthians 1: 17-22, Paul identifies the dilemma we can face in the midst of spiritual uncertainty. “Do I make my plans according to ordinary human standards, ready to say ‘yes, yes” and ‘no, no” at the same time? … For the Son of God, Jesus Christ … was not ‘yes and no’; but in him it is always ‘yes.’” Paul is confident that God establishes us in Christ and puts a seal on us by giving us the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment of what is yet to come.
EARL S. JOHNSON JR. is a retired PC (U.S.A.) pastor living in Johnstown, NY and Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at Siena College.
