God is a man of war-God is His name.[1] This verse from the Song at the Sea showed God’s power in this battle. Often, we think of war as an external thing. At times, however, war can be a battle against our inner demons. Like my favorite interpretation between Jacob and the angel, most of our wars are not against an external force but rather what is going on inside of us.

Dr Aaron T. Beck, founder of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, identified that the best way to fight our negative thoughts is by acknowledging, understanding and processing them rather than battling them. Through modifying these negative, automatic thoughts he treated depression.

I think about this in light of Moses’ initial struggle to move forward. He seemed paralysed, the sea in front of him and the Egyptian flank behind him. God’s response was מה תצעק אלי? דבר אל בני ישראל וישאו

why are you crying out to me? Speak to the children of Israel and move forward!”[2] Moses was stuck as many of us are during difficult situations or through debilitating thoughts. He needed God’s help to push him forward.

The same is true for us. When we are stuck, or in the midst of uncertainty, at times we need to ask for help. This is so challenging to do yet it is necessary in order for us to take a step forward. It also takes time and relationship building to be able to move, as well as confidence that at times we will relapse or take a step back along the way and that’s ok. Moses needed to know and feel that God, the Man of War, was on his side and would help him lead the people across to the other side. Through having patience, understanding and knowing that we are not alone, we can conquer our inner demons, cut through the paralysis and break on through to the other side.

Of course, this is easier said than done and we need resources, especially when the pain feels too great to bear. Enter the medieval mystical poet, Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, who provides us with the poem The Guest House. I hope it will comfort you as it has for me when facing inner demons. This version is translated by Coleman Barks.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

[1] Exodus 15:3

[2] Exodus 14:15

God is a man of war-God is His name.[1] This verse from the Song at the Sea showed God’s power in this battle. Often, we think of war as an external thing. At times, however, war can be a battle against our inner demons. Like my favorite interpretation between Jacob and the angel, most of our wars are not against an external force but rather what is going on inside of us.

Dr Aaron T. Beck, founder of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, identified that the best way to fight our negative thoughts is by acknowledging, understanding and processing them rather than battling them. Through modifying these negative, automatic thoughts he treated depression.

I think about this in light of Moses’ initial struggle to move forward. He seemed paralysed, the sea in front of him and the Egyptian flank behind him. God’s response was מה תצעק אלי? דבר אל בני ישראל וישאו

why are you crying out to me? Speak to the children of Israel and move forward!”[2] Moses was stuck as many of us are during difficult situations or through debilitating thoughts. He needed God’s help to push him forward.

The same is true for us. When we are stuck, or in the midst of uncertainty, at times we need to ask for help. This is so challenging to do yet it is necessary in order for us to take a step forward. It also takes time and relationship building to be able to move, as well as confidence that at times we will relapse or take a step back along the way and that’s ok. Moses needed to know and feel that God, the Man of War, was on his side and would help him lead the people across to the other side. Through having patience, understanding and knowing that we are not alone, we can conquer our inner demons, cut through the paralysis and break on through to the other side.

Of course, this is easier said than done and we need resources, especially when the pain feels too great to bear. Enter the medieval mystical poet, Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, who provides us with the poem The Guest House. I hope it will comfort you as it has for me when facing inner demons. This version is translated by Coleman Barks.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

[1] Exodus 15:3

[2] Exodus 14:15