Bierkergaard: The Writings of Soren Kierkegaard

Jesus came into a world torn by division, conflict, hatred, apathy, worldliness, false gods, and misplaced hopes. Not much different than our own. Despite our toys and technology, the key matter of life is still essentially this: Where do we place and put our hope? On the world and all that it offers and is passing away or the eternal God and His promises? Don’t “Waste the power of our souls and the content of our lives in calculation and the irascible unwholesomeness of worldly probabilities.”

When we have an eternal perspective, the “New Oil in Readiness” we eschew the temporality of the “Goblet of Intoxication.” Then, the patience in expectancy becomes manifest. Eternity triumphs over the world. A world that often is shaded by pain. https://youtu.be/g9Uoup9Gjn4?si=sTxt2OVSGoPqf0qP

Soren writes, “Once again, cast your sorrow upon the Lord…for this heavenly expectancy begins precisely when the earthly expectancy sinks down powerless in despair.” Cast our hope upon God. Not this world. Keep Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door. https://youtu.be/rm9coqlk8fY?si=lL2EF3bp9Nir5jcw

Soren writes much about Anna, that she is, despite her age, the eternal’s young fiancée; this tranquility in her eyes that nevertheless is expectant. Of God’s coming in Jesus. It is the fulfillment of all her hope over all those years. She is an example to all of us to put our hope where it belongs, onto God. Not this world which is passing away.

Soren writes, “If a person’s soul comes to a standstill in the monotony of self-concern and self-preoccupation, then he/she is bordering on soul rot unless the contemplation stirs and moves him/her.” The contemplation of God and His promises for deliverance. In this world and the world to come.

Expectancy is a hope. For the night of troubles to end and for the day of hope to begin. Jesus, we are reminded on this day of Valentine’s and Lent, took our ashes and gives us his beauty. What love is this!

Patience does not abandon anyone in any distress. It waits even if we push it away. For patience is ultimately based in the character of God in eternity. Let patience create eternity in our temporality, peace in our problems, tranquility in our troubles.

Our guest today is Soren himself! Rather than blather on about it, give it a listen!

How is it that Impatience is both cold and a fire? Those two things are never paired together. Soren employs this dichotomy to tell us that Impatience will leave us alienated and alone and yet still burn without ceasing. It sounds like Hell itself. The worst possible condition. Seek out Patience. For she is a faithful friend.

When we lose patience, fail to find and preserve it, our souls get bruised and eventually broken. We find ourselves discontent and with others who are discontent. The Council of the Mockers. The Jaded. The Cynical. Take time, make time, for God. For he is our resting place.