Save Reflections
Keep the ones that speak to your heart.
Gary G. Hoag
“The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.”— Ecclesiastes 5:12
“His words are sure and cannot fail; heaven and earth will fail first; let us not forsake Him, and never fear that He will forsake us. If at any time He did so, it would be for our greater good, as life forsook the saints when they were slain and beheaded for our Lord, that their glory might be increased by their martyrdom. It would be a good exchange to finish this life quickly so as to enjoy eternal satiety.
Be certain, sisters, that this matter will be most important for you when I am dead, therefore I leave it you in writing. While I live, by the grace of God I will remind you of it, knowing by experience how great are its benefits. When I have least I am most free from anxiety, and God knows that, as far as I can tell, it grieves me far more when I am well cared for than when I am in want.”
Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) in The Way of Perfection (London: Thomas Baker, 1919) 10. Download this classic work in PDF form freely here.
This is the first of seven posts exploring the paradoxical and spiritual benefits of poverty and detachment. Find freedom from anxiety and more this week.
Today's Scripture contains a powerful truth. The more abundance of material wealth a person has, the more they have to lose sleep about.
Remember when you worked your first job or got your first paycheck. Life was pretty good, wasn't it? You slept good and enjoyed simple pleasures.
We complicate things when we accumulate things. The more we possess, the more those things possess us.
Because Teresa wants us to pursue the way of perfection long after she is dead and gone, she wrote this book for us.
Hear her profound testimony: "When I have least I am most free from anxiety, and God knows that, as far as I can tell, it grieves me far more when I am well cared for than when I am in want.”
Why is this the case? Our human tendency is the set our hearts on the gifts of God rather than God. We get disordered and set our affections in the wrong place.
To start this week, let me give you an exercise. Ask yourself three questions either in the solitude of a quiet place at home or on peaceful walk with the Lord.
What do I think about when you first wake up in the morning?
</li>
What do I worry about most in life?
</li>
What would Jesus say to me after hearing my first two answers?
</li>
Surrender your answers, your wealth, and your worries to Jesus. Ask God for grace to help you understand some deep spiritual truths this week.
When you grasp these truths, you find the freedom and confidence you need to live simply, give sacrificially, serve humbly, and love generously.
The way of perfection is not easy. But it's the path Jesus wants us all to take.
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48.
Please pray for me today. I fly from Dallas to Chicago to Grand Rapids. To speak at the Movement Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids tomorrow. Stay tuned for access to the recording.
Share this Meditation:
Continue Exploring
Other Recommended Meditations
Your Reflection Journey
Make It Personal
Create a free account to build your own rhythm of daily reflection. Save the meditations that speak to you, explore the full archive, and join a community of fellow seekers.
Full Archive
Read every past meditation.
Conversations
Share thoughts with fellow readers.
Personalization
Tailored reflections for your journey.
Receive the Daily Meditation
Receive a daily reflection rooted in Scripture to help you rediscover the joy of generosity.
