Determine to have intimacy with Me
The mind is part of the flesh and is part of the exterior with the rest of the senses. Your entire life you must work against it to stay in the interior in order to hear Us. The mind tends to wander, so returning to the interior requires an act of the will.
A canoe swiftly moving downstream goes where the current wants to go. But currents will pull the canoe from the center instead of remaining in the center, towards rocks and debris, and other unseen things. Currents are like the brain and senses, competing against the direction of the spirit.
Paddles are not really to propel a canoe as the current will continue to push it along, even as life propels you. The paddle is used to keep you on course in the middle of the stream, pushing the front of the canoe away from unseen things and from going the wrong way. You use paddles to push away from the banks, and to use against the current when you are going the wrong way in order to stay straight.
When a person first starts canoeing, they fatigue quickly, as it is tiring using paddles properly. But over time it gets easier and easier, until they use them effortlessly. The oarsman doesn’t become frustrated, depressed, or angry at the current. It is just part of being on the river. They stay calm and just continue to use the oars to redirect the canoe back to the center of the river. They don’t drop the oars, but keep them where they are needed.
Staying in the interior is like canoeing on a river. Your will is the oars or paddles. Put your will into the water like your oars, and use it to redirect the mind and senses when they pull you out of the interior away from Us. Don’t become emotional as there is no need to be upset. This is part of learning to remain in intimacy with Us. This is how to stay in deep fellowship. Keep coming back to Us using your will as you would a paddle. It is a discipline. After a while you will do it without even thinking.
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