THEOSISGregory the Great
When you perceive yourself as on the brink of destruction, you will rise again like the morning star, as stated in Job 11:18. In moments when we are besieged by numerous trials, it is easy to overlook the truth; the sheer volume of challenges often lures us into despair. Consequently, when the mind is fatigued, it tends to focus even on the suffering that its virtue might endure. While steeped in pain, it seems to disengage from that pain yet finds it hard to manage the tumultuous thoughts that seize it. In a fleeting moment, the individual feels as if they are teetering on the edge of a grave fall, and the anguish intensifies their suffering, leading them to relinquish their struggle. A fog obscures their vision, and in their sorrowful state, they perceive nothing but darkness.
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However, by divine grace, it often transpires that this very anguish, which renders prayer seemingly impossible, can act as an intercessor on our behalf in a profound manner. For at such times, our Creator sees the depth of our sorrow and renews the light within us, prompting the heart to ascend toward His blessings, invigorating the same spirit that had previously succumbed to prideful inclinations. In an instant, that spirit shakes off the heaviness of lethargy and dives into the enlightening sphere of contemplation after having endured the shadows of turmoil. Lifted to the joy of spiritual progress is one who, amid afflictions, nearly faced a downfall. With a heart at peace, he gazes down upon transient matters, holding unwavering faith in the forthcoming reward. The righteous individual, who believes himself defeated, will rise like the morning star, for when temptation's darkness threatens to engulf him, he finds restoration in the light of grace. He proclaims a day of righteousness after moments of fear regarding the night of sin. The life of the virtuous can rightfully be likened to the morning star because it heralds the dawn. And what does the righteousness of God’s people reveal, if not the radiant light of the forthcoming Judge? By reflecting on their lives, we understand how to approach the magnificence of the true Light. Although we may not yet witness the might of our Redeemer, we admire His goodness showcased through His chosen ones. The lives of the righteous invite us to witness Truth's power, just as the morning star announces the sun's brightness.
It should also be noted that what is often regarded as spiritual struggle might be seen from an outside perspective as mere misfortune. Holy individuals, who genuinely cherish heavenly pursuits, encounter trials in earthly life, yet ultimately they discover the light of joy, even those who, during this fleeting existence, have faced tribulations. Thus, Sophar remarked, "And the noonday splendor shall rise to you in the evening time." The light of the sinner in daylight reflects their darkness in the evening; while nourished by a favorable condition in this life, they are consumed by calamity in the end. Conversely, the righteous will experience the noonday brilliance in the evening because they anticipate great radiance for their final moments. Hence, it is declared, "He that fears the Lord, all things shall be well with him in the last day," as seen in Sirach 1:13. Furthermore, as the Psalmist has articulated, "When to his beloved he gives sleep, it is the inheritance of the Lord," (Psalms 126:2-3). Even while grappling with life's contradictions, when one perceives oneself as defeated, they are renewed like the morning star. Although outwardly they may seem to falter, inwardly they are reborn; the greater the external trials they face, the more their internal virtue shines brightly, as Paul attests, "Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:16-17). It is essential to note that it does not say, "When you are consumed," but rather, "When you think yourself consumed," as our perceptions can often be misleading, while our hope rests on certainties. Paul himself, who thought he faced annihilation while submerged in hardships and sorrows, radiated like the morning star, proclaiming, "We are accounted dead, but behold, we live; we are afflicted, but always rejoice; we are poor, but we enrich many” (2 Cor. 6:9-10). We must recognize that the graver the tribulations we face, the more the gracious mind clings to truth, cultivating a steadfast hope for eternal rewards. Thus, it is aptly stated, "And you shall be confident, for hope is set before you" (Job 11:18). For hope grows higher as it takes deeper root in God; the greater the trials endured for His sake, the more profound the resulting joy, as heavenly rewards are reserved for those who have sown in suffering. The Psalmist articulates this well: "They went and wept as they went, bearing precious seeds, but they shall surely come again with joy, bearing their sheaves with them" (Psalms 125:5). Consequently, Paul declares, "If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him” (2 Tim. 2:11-12). He admonishes his followers, saying, "And that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). This is further supported by the angel, who, when revealing the saints' glory to John, noted, "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). Therefore, because we now endure trials to yield fruit in joy, our hearts are fortified in confidence, especially when weighed down by the burdens of tribulation for the sake of Truth. Thus, it is justly concluded: "Yes, dig the bottom, you shall rest safely" (Job 11:18).
Just as present security may lead one to unrighteousness, so too does labor endure in this life to pave the way for eternal peace. One who has proclaimed, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me in that day" (2 Tim. 4:6-8) is well aware of the safety prepared for him after his toil. He faced transient tribulations courageously, anticipating with certainty the eternal joys to come.
The phrase "digging up the bottom" may also carry another meaning, as we often become preoccupied with fleeting affairs, neglecting the serious errors we commit. By clearing our hearts of earthly distractions, hidden truths within us come to the surface. Thus, holy individuals continually scrutinize the depths of their souls; as they investigate minute by minute, shedding themselves of worldly concerns, they find solace in a heart free from sin. With a yearning to remain insulated from the world's path, they focus on their own failings and, when not in authoritative positions, refrain from passing judgment on others. Hence, "having dug out the bottom, they rest in safety," as they vigilantly explore their inner sanctums, liberated from the burdens of worldly troubles. Thus, it is further emphasized: