Blogging the Confessions

I always enjoy the practice of writing. The problem I regularly face is having something worth writing about. I have decided to spend some time reading and blogging Augustine's Confessions. I want to mention a few prefatory comments. First, in light of Julie and Julia I am certain that this sort of practice has grown exponentially (I'm also aware of reformation21.org and their "blogging the institutes" - another inspiration). Yes, I am riding the tide of trends. Secondly, I am also aware that most people who read Augustine only read his Confessions and nothing else. I like Confessions because it has the feel of doctrine and life. Augustine is a theologian of the highest order and he expresses much of it in his own autobiography. Seeing the hand of God in another's life is often a beneficial practice for believers in all ages and in each of the corners of the earth.

With this in mind I would like to begin:

Confessions Book 1.i.(1) - 1.vi.(8)

If men and woman are familiar at all with Augustine this popular work of his then they are most likely to know only this famous section and little else. Yet, this famous quotation is so key to Augustine's thought in Confessions. Also, it is a very precious reminder to all believers. He writes, "You [God] stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you" (Chadwick, ed. 9). From the very start it is clear to Augustine that his heart has not always rested in God. He certainly would not claim to have led his own soul into the throne of God to sing his praises and find the fulfillment of Jesus' promise ("come to me all who are weary..." Matt 11:28). No. Rather, this is the very hand of God stirring his soul to take pleasure in Him. I can imagine Augustine would find great solace in John 6:44 ("No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him"). He would maintain that he has come at the behest of God Himself.

He continues through this section and sees the transcendence of God. The Lord is not some commodity to be passed around or carried on his person. He cannot be found or misplaced. Therein is rest. Resting in a God who cannot be misplaced and is far greater than ourselves. He cannot be purchased, manipulated, forced or mocked. This also provides a (at times, painful) barometer for our souls: "Am I resting in Him?" But remember, this rest too is by the hand of God.

May He stir our hearts anew each day to rest in Him.