The Seeking Heart: A Classic Guide to Surrender, Humility, and Union with God (Library of Spiritual Classics)

In my review of one his other books, "Let Go," I mentioned that Archbishop Fénelon has a way with words. I might add here, he is pretty consistent. Many times we try to find a sympathetic heart because we want someone to tell us what we want to hear. I don't think that could be said of the Archbishop. We go to him because he has suffered life's difficulties and he can tell us what we need to hear. This is evident from the first chapter of this book, "Embracing the Cross." He is very definite in his advice here, "Endure the aches and pains of your body with patience. Do the same thing with your spiritual afflictions (that is, trouble sent to you that you cannot control). Do not add to the cross in your life by becoming so busy that you have no time to sit quietly before God. Do not resist what God brings into your life." He is able therefore to instruct, "Accept the cross and you will find peace even in the middle of turmoil. Let me warn you that if you push the cross away, your circumstances will become twice as hard to bear." Words like this we normally do not want to hear, but they sound different from one who has suffered. However, almost anticipating our response, and our desire to be in control, he chimes in. "Do you see the stubborn and hidden hold you have over your life? This control makes the cross necessary in the first place. Do not reject the full work that the power of the cross could accomplish in you. Unfortunately, you will be forced to go over the same ground again and again. Worse yet, you will suffer much, but your suffering will be for no purpose." Incredible insight! He ends with words we would not expect from a good friend, but he also defends his teaching with it, "Imagine how much [God] must love those who abandon themselves to His will cheerfully and completely--even if it results in their crucifixion!" This is tough stuff! I first read this book at one of those times when so much was going wrong all at once. I was frustrated, being only one person and only able to do so much. Never mind my personal life! Just in my home there were plumbing, electric, and air-conditioning problems. The kitchen, the pantry and several rooms upstairs all had to be worked on at the same time. It seemed like Murphy's Laws with a vengeance! In the midst of this, we can ask, "What is God doing," because we know he's doing something. Nevertheless, I found answers and peace in meditating for a number of days on the words of the chapter called "Difficult Circumstances," beginning on page 14. You would think that Fénelon had lived with Murphy for some time! He can help us to learn to do the same. Not only that. He says that God has plans to produce "good fruit" out of all of this. We must believe this. Reflect on his words and you may come to realize as I did, the Archbishop's words are never easy, but always seem appropriate! We also come to know, we have a lot to learn.... See what you think: ---------------------------------- "God doesn't want to discourage you or to spoil you. Embrace the difficult circumstances you find yourself in even when you feel they will overwhelm you. Allow God to mold you through the events He allows to enter your life. This will make you flexible toward the will of God. The events of life are like a furnace for the heart. All your impurities are melted and your old ways are lost. "As for the humiliation you feel when you see your faults--simply see how sensitive your self-love is. The pain you feel at your own imperfection is worse than the faults themselves. Your problem really is that you become so irritated by seeing your faults. Learn to live with yourself as you really are without being so upset. If you do this, you will soon have peace. "Patiently endure the ups and downs of everyday life. Behind every annoying circumstance, learn to see God governing all things. See that He trains you through troubling situations as well as through pleasant ones. The intrusions that God sends you will no doubt upset your plans and oppose all that you want. But they will also chase you toward God. Sit still before Him and yield your will to Him. Your unbending will shall begin to learn flexibility. "Everything that comes from God's hand produces good fruit. Sometimes the annoyances that make you long for solitude are better for producing humility than the most complete solitude could be. Use the circumstances of each moment to the fullest. Sometimes an exciting book, or an inspiring devotional time, or a deep conversation about spiritual matters will make you feel extremely satisfied with yourself. You will believe that you are farther along than you really are. Talking about the cross is not at all the same as experiencing it. So remember this: Do not seek annoying circumstances, but when they come bear them in peace. It is easy to delude yourself! Do not seek God as if He were far off in an ivory castle. He is found in the middle of the events of your everyday life. Look past the obstacles and find Him." ---------------------------------- And, good luck!

Amazing how the Holy Spirit uses this author to speak directly to my spiritual needs. God truly is in these messages.

This book was written 300 years ago! They are his letters to believers seeking guidance. His wisdom is biblical but he uses such practical language every writing really spoke to me. I love my copy -it is well loved! I’ve now given it as a gift multiple times. I would never have picked this book based on the title and cover. My son showed me his copy and I knew I wanted one! Strongly recommend!

More people really should know about this book/devotional. I have read lots of Christian books and this is by far the one I go to raise my spirits. I'm truly amazed this book is not more popular. Fenelon really digs into your heart, trying to dispel all your illusions of self and outward living. He helps you find solace in the darkest moments of your life by simply reminding you who you are in relation to God and the world. His other works are just as good, but this one seems to be the one I read the most.

This is a wonderful introduction to Fenelon in contemporary English. I have used this compilation of letters for years in small groups, with friends, and in my devotional life. In contrast to the self-centered pop "Christian" culture that surrounds us, Fenelon insists that his recipients embrace the Christ of the Cross and the Cross of Christ and thereby experience lasting transformation into His image. Little wonder that Fenelon touched people such as A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, and Oswald Chambers. As Charles F. Whiston wrote of Fenelon's thinking, "Man's central act is to abandon his life into the hands of God's wise and loving sovereignty, and one by one to stop every inner resistance to God's redemptive work in him."

I have now had my copy of this book for 20 years. As a follower of Christ, God has used this in my life during the toughest of times to teach me how to submit to His will and accept what He is allowing. God has also used this to point out those things which are difficult to see in oneself. It has comforted, calmed, reproved and illuminated me as to what it is to be a true lover of and follower of God through Jesus Christ. For those of us skeptical Protestants who recoil at the idea of a "Catholic" author, I have found Fenelon to be a true Christ-follower and one who learned things that could only be learned at the feet of Jesus and by sharing in His sufferings. Other than my Bible, this is my most well-worn book. I return to it again and again because some the truths and teachings in it are so deep and probing and convicting and weighty that they must be meditated on, absorbed, prayed through and accepted, rather than a book to be plowed through and set aside as another accomplishment to tic off from my reading list as having been read. I have also purchased multiple other copies to give to friends.

Good book. Encouraging.

Introspective thought and will challenge if applied

A very accessible book. I'm rubbish at finishing books. But this one you can just open anywhere and get an amazing devotion from just one or two pages. If you've never heard of Fenelon (which to be honest I hadn't) your in for a treat. This is a very gifted man from the 1600s. Then language is very accessible.

All Fénelon's books are penetrating, deep, insightful. If you want to go deep in your interior castle, read The Seeking Heart, you wont be disappointed. Elevation of your spirit guaranteed.

Practical Experience of Christian Deeper Life!! Every Christian must be read this Classic Book by Fenelon!!

good info

I gained more knowledge in my Christian journey of life and also some powerful prayer points are imbedded in this masterpiece .