In his letter to Sister Elizabeth Bourcier de Monthureux, Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade beautifully expresses the power of complete abandonment to God’s will. He reminds us that true perfection and lasting peace come from aligning our will with God’s, trusting that He is leading us even through the storms of life. The more we let go of our own desires, fears, and anxieties, the more we are able to rest in the profound joy and security of knowing that God is our sole support, help, and hope.
The Transforming Power of Abandonment
It is easy to fear the idea of giving up control. We often believe that if we do not cling tightly to our plans and expectations, our lives will spiral into chaos. But Fr. de Caussade assures us that the opposite is true. A soul that has fully surrendered to God is like a ship at sea, carried not by the force of its own sails but by the steady and guiding wind of Divine Providence. Even in the fiercest storms, such a soul remains at peace because it knows it is in the hands of its Creator.
A sister once shared with Fr. de Caussade that for a whole month, the thought of abandoning herself to God was her greatest consolation. Instead of feeling burdened by the call to trust in Him, she found it to be a source of immense joy and peace. She no longer felt alone, for she knew that God Himself was her guide, her friend, and her protector. This, he explains, is the fulfillment of the angel’s promise at Christ’s birth: Peace to men of goodwill—those who seek God above all else.
Finding Peace in Surrender
How often do we allow created things to disturb our peace? We worry about financial security, the opinions of others, the future of our children, and the many uncertainties of life. But when our hearts are wholly fixed on God, nothing can truly shake us. Imagine living a life where neither fear nor desire for worldly things holds power over you! Instead, your heart is anchored in the deep and abiding peace of belonging to God alone.
One great example of this is the holy Archbishop of Cambray, who said, “I endure all until the worst comes to the worst, and then, finally, I find peace in complete self-renunciation.” This is the secret to unshakable peace—letting go of everything and allowing God to be our all.
Living Abandonment in Daily Life
How can we begin to practice this abandonment in our daily lives? It starts with small acts of surrender. When faced with difficulties, instead of resisting or becoming anxious, we can say, “Lord, I trust You. You know what is best for me.” When plans fall apart, instead of feeling frustrated, we can remind ourselves that God’s plan is always greater. When suffering comes, we can embrace it with confidence, knowing that it will only deepen our union with Him.
In my own life, I have seen this truth play out time and time again. There have been moments when financial struggles, unexpected trials, and overwhelming responsibilities made me feel as though I was drowning. Yet, in those very moments, when I surrendered my worries to God, He provided in ways I never could have imagined. It is in the surrender that we see His hand most clearly at work.
The Invitation to Abandonment
God invites each of us to this path of peace. He does not ask us to understand everything, but simply to trust. The more we practice this trust, the more we will experience the joy of knowing that our lives are not in our hands but in His. We are His children, and He will never abandon us.
Let us pray for the grace to let go, to trust fully, and to find our peace in Him alone. True happiness is not found in control, but in surrender. And when we give ourselves entirely to God, we will discover that He is already holding us in His loving embrace.
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