Soul Scratch

deep down in the recesses of my soul lurks an itch. From time to time, it rises to the surface demanding to be reckoned with. Some days, no matter how flexible I am, I can not seem to reach it. I read, pray, even rub up against other disciplines in order to satisfy it. Some days it is easier to deal with than others.

today, it itches.

sometimes it is scratched with the word. A deep scratch that goes beyond the surface. The deep muscles are reached and as good as it can feel, sometimes it actually makes it worse.

sometimes the itch is calmed by iron. The dullness of life can take the edge off. But there are irons in my life that keep me sharp. Some are dear friends that know the map of the land. Some are fellow brethren who are in the trenches. Dealing with the work of spreading the good news. Still others are fellow journeymen whom I see along the narrow way.

sometimes, she calms the anxious twitch.

discussions of faith sometimes relaxes the nerves. Like a cool lotion on a burned scalp, it can soothe the itch. Adding to the discussion can be very rewarding, but most are not willing to be open for true dialogue. Most of us are dogmatic about not being dogmatic. The right dialogue can be soothing. But those are seldom.

The Bride, as twisted as She has become, has been a source of comfort. She is beautiful and current. She will not be made into what She is not. She still has Her Lover's jealous eye.

we all seem to have those things that help us deal with the uneasiness that looms large on the horizon of our journey. If we do not, we are doomed. Restlessness and uneasiness are always croutching at the door. Ready to pounce on our desire to be comfortable and live the typical.

sadly enough, many have turned a blind eye to those feelings and situations for so long, they have become silent and out of the main line of sight.

the mystery that is our God is beyond us, yet so close we can touch. We make less of Him, of His Son, and His Spirit in most discussions we have. The uneasiness and restlessness often comes when we try and see Him for who He is not.

we say this or that, rather than ok. We stand less than in awe and more in the darkness of our own glory. We turn an act of mercy and grace into a self fest.

many of my kind sit comfortably behind a computer screen and type out thoughts and views that compel many to lash out and point the finger of pride and wisdom. We talk about one thing the Bride is not doing, all the while, these things are lacking in our own lives.

we don't love as He does, so we think everyone is that way.
we don't share as He did, so we think every one is that way.
we don't give as we know we should, so we point out that nobody is giving.
we don't read or pray as we should, so we lay that blanket on every one.
we are prideful, full of the world, focusing on gifts rather than the Giver, so every one else is as well.
we seldom are, so everyone else is not.
we troll around looking for opportunities to berate and confront, with not much desire to get to know.
we lash out in ways that show we are deceived and with out discernment.

yet, it is the scratch of forgiveness that makes us all His. No acts of understanding, no works of goodness, no places of acceptance and certainly no sacrifice can be greater than that which has been given to us.

satisfaction can only be found when Mercy gives rest.

an itch will not go away till it is scratched.

Rom 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.