You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
“My dear friend in God, I beg you, stay alert and attentive to the way you are progressing in your vocation. And give thanks to God for this calling, so that with the help of His grace you may stand firm against all the subtle assaults of the enemies who will harass you from within and without and so that you may come to win the reward of life unending. Amen…
Be sure that if you are occupied with something less than God, you place it above you for the time being and create a barrier between yourself and God. Therefore, firmly reject all clear ideas however pious or thoughtful.
For I tell you this: one loving, blind desire for God alone is more valuable in itself, more pleasing to God and to the saints, more beneficial to your own growth, and more helpful to your friends, both living and dead, than anything else you could do.”
Excerpt from The Cloud of Unknowing in The Cloud of Unknowing and the Book of Privy Counseling (New York: Image, 1973) 36, 52.
The Cloud of Unknowing was written by an anonymous Christian mystic written in Middle English in the latter half of the 14th century. It’s another book on this list, 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics.
The author wrote it to you and me as dear friends in God, so that’s how I reference the writer.
Notice our friend in God wants us to stay alert, focused on God, and not be occupied by anything else. We must not even think about generously doing things for God, but merely have “blind desire” for Him, reminding ourselves that this marks the best help we can give to ourselves and others.
God, we occupy ourselves with You, knowing this is the best and most generous thing we can do for ourselves and for our friends today and everyday. Amen.