Spiritual Director, Disciplines, Spirit-led examination

Meeting with my spiritual director yesterday prompted me to think about sin! I was talking to her about a book proposal I am working on which involves taking ten spiritual disciplines and making them practical and appealing to those of us who aren't the disciplined type!One of the historic "Disciplines" (practices or ways to connect with God) is Spirit-led examination and Confession. This practice is based on Ps.139: 23-24 where David writes:"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."My director mentioned how common it is for us to think immediately of how we don't measure up and this leads to feelings of failure and shame. Instead, she suggested seeing it as connecting with God in confidence, knowing that He loves and cares for us and wants out best. This reminded me of a story I sometimes tell when speaking on growing closer to God.During WWII, people wanting to escape from eastern Europe to the liberated part of Germany often had to run the gauntlet of searchlights and vicious dogs. If they were caught in the search lights, they knew they would be killed. During that same war, my mother and many others in London had to watch the searchlights as they moved back and forth across the city sky. They were to watch for German planes carrying bombs that would devastate the city. Once they spotted a plane, they sounded the alarm and hopefully the enemy plane would be shot down.This true story reminds me of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives when we invite Him to search our hearts. Because He loves us, He will spotlight where the enemy is coming to bring destruction to our lives so we can take the necessary action to keep ourselves safe.Are you aware of the enemy's attacks? Do you want to grow closer to the Lord? Then let me encourage you to pray David's prayer. Ask God to show you where the enemy might be attacking your life and what He wants you to do about it. If you take action, Satan won't be able to bring any more damage to your life than he already has.If you feel the need for a spiritual director/companion/support to help you grow in your faith--and live in the Portland/Vancouver area--I'd love to hear from you. Send me an email for more details about this one-on-one ministry that will help you come closer to God: poppy@poppysmith.com