I began tonight by asking my Father about my going to bed last night rather than praying. He answered me quite distinctly: “Why do you doubt? You are as you are by My will, that I may be your Rock.” It’s hard to put into words just what that meant to me, but I can say that I understand that He is my strength, and that I can’t be what He want without His help. I also feel, now, that my surrender to Him last night was more important than any lesson He could have taught me through the retreat.

We went to the retreat then. Through Leviticus 26:14ff and Zephaniah, He showed me His anger, but, as always, the hope beyond that. Luke 10:13 and 11:39 seemed puzzling because they broke the pattern of anger/hope. Then, I realized that Jesus, Himself, was the hope there. Those He spoke to would have to accept Him as their hope, or face Him as their judge. The hope was pre-established there! (1)

(1) Spiritual director: Good insight.