Recently I read The Cry of the Soul by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman. From their book I was struck by the idea that we operate in three relational movements:

• Attack (Against)
• Abandonment (Away)
• Love (Toward)

I jotted down some questions that relate to the three relational movements:

1. Attack

• Unrighteous Anger’s Question: Is God Just? – Will He let the wicked win and prevail against me?
• Fear’s Question: Can I trust God to protect me from harm?

2. Abandonment

• Jealousy’s Question: Is God good? – Will he satisfy my hunger or bless others and leave me empty?
• Despair’s Question: Is God good or will He leave me in isolation? Will He offer His presence to others and leave me alone?

3. Love [Contempt is a shield of mockery against people offering love]

• Contempt’s Question: Does God love me or will He turn away in disgust?
• Shame’s Question: Does God love me or will He hate me if He sees me as I really am?

How do you personally relate to the three relational movements? Which of the questions is the most interesting to you?

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