Lord, Increase My Bewilderment
I love Mary’s words in Luke 1:34: “Lord, how can this be?” A few months ago, I was intrigued by a devotional by Barbara Brown Taylor in which she invited the reader to say, “Lord, Increase My Bewilderment.” This invitation continues to cause me to reflect and ponder. To truly understand this invitation, I needed to understand what the definition of bewilderment really is. Bewilderment means, at least according to Webster, the feeling of being perplexed and confused. I was relieved to know this meaning because, admittedly, most days I feel I live in a state of confusion and bafflement.
On a more serious note, the question may be, “Why pray this invitation, ‘Lord, Increase My Bewilderment ‘?” It provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience the wonder of God’s Holy Word. I have found that living in a healthy space reminds me of the importance of learning something new. By allowing myself to know, I can ask new questions, gain new understanding, and push myself out of my comfort zone. To learn is to grow. Growing prevents minds from stagnating by thinking that somehow, we hold all the answers. Finally, to grow, to know is where I find myself experiencing the wonder and mystery of Scriptures.
How would it look for us today, that in the remaining days of a very busy December, to take a breath and pray, “Lord, Increase My Bewilderment.”
To embrace this prayer means to allow oneself time and space to be entirely overwhelmed by the mystery, awe, and beauty of the Almighty. Perhaps we need to take a second look at the words of the hymn “Joy to the World,” specifically the line “And Wonders of His Love.” During the busyness of the season’s many activities, we often overlook everyday graces like strength when we feel weak, peace when anxiety rises, and the gentle nudge that we belong to God.
I’m going to invite us all to offer this prayer, “Lord, Increase My Bewilderment”, “Lord, Increase My Bewilderment.” May we allow this prayer to take us beyond our limited understanding, not to be trapped by certainty, but to live in God’s wonder daily. Faith is living in the mystery that is the Trinity, and being at peace with the mystery. In doing so, the greatest wonder of God’s love is not that God told us, but that God showed us.
Always Remember and Never Forget…GOD LOVES YOU!
Tom
Long Talk…. 