Embracing Divine Love: Insights from Julian of Norwich

 

Summary

Julian of Norwich, a remarkable figure in Christian history, offers profound insights into the nature of God and the Trinity through her meditations and revelations. Her experiences, particularly her contemplation of the crucifixion, led her to a deep understanding of the Trinity as our maker, protector, and everlasting lover. This perspective invites us to see the Trinity not just as a theological concept but as a dynamic relationship filled with admiration and joy among its members. Julian's reflections remind us that the Trinity is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, inviting us into a circle of love and joy.

The notion of admiration within the Trinity is often overlooked, yet it is a powerful image of how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relate to one another. This admiration extends to us, as we are invited into this divine relationship. Julian's meditation on a simple hazelnut illustrates the profound truth that God is the creator, lover, and sustainer of all things, no matter how small. This understanding shifts our perspective from seeing the universe as vast and God as small, to recognizing the universe as small in the hands of a big God.

Listening to God is not merely a spiritual discipline but a way of life. It is about engaging in a conversational relationship with God, where we are open to His guidance and reassurance. This practice is essential in the kingdom of God, where communication is key. Spiritual disciplines are tools that help us cultivate this listening posture, but they are not the end goal. The ultimate aim is to live a life surrendered to God, where we find peace and safety in His presence.

In the Divine conspiracy, the universe is a perfectly safe place because we are living in the kingdom of God. This assurance allows us to step into the world without fear, knowing that God is with us. The key to peace is surrender, and this surrender is rooted in the knowledge of God's presence and love. As we cultivate habits of listening and surrender, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with God, where we can live without fear and with the assurance of His love and guidance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Admiration Within the Trinity: The Trinity is a relationship of mutual admiration and joy among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine admiration extends to us, inviting us into a circle of love and joy. Understanding this dynamic can transform our view of God from a distant deity to an intimate, relational presence in our lives. [24:22]

2. The Profound Simplicity of God's Love: Julian's meditation on a hazelnut reveals the profound truth that God is the creator, lover, and sustainer of all things. This perspective shifts our understanding of the universe and God's role in it, reminding us that even the smallest things are held in God's loving hands. [28:45]

3. Listening as a Way of Life: Listening to God is not just a discipline but a way of engaging in a conversational relationship with Him. This practice is vital in the kingdom of God, where communication is fundamental. Spiritual disciplines support this listening posture, but the ultimate goal is a life surrendered to God's guidance. [32:19]

4. The Safety of God's Kingdom: In the Divine conspiracy, the universe is a perfectly safe place because we are living in the kingdom of God. This assurance allows us to live without fear, knowing that God is with us. The key to peace is surrender, rooted in the knowledge of God's presence and love. [36:20]

5. Surrender and Peace: True peace comes from surrendering to God, knowing that we are not running the show but living in His kingdom. This surrender is supported by habits of listening and the encouragement of others who speak God's truth into our lives. [38:34]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:30] - Julian of Norwich's Revelations
[22:22] - Meditation on the Crucifixion
[23:12] - Understanding the Trinity
[24:22] - Admiration Within the Trinity
[25:07] - The Holy Spirit's Role
[26:24] - Julian's Circle of Love
[28:30] - The Hazelnut Meditation
[29:44] - Listening as a Spiritual Discipline
[31:01] - Communication in God's Kingdom
[32:19] - The Still Small Voice
[33:00] - Spiritual Disciplines and Transformation
[36:20] - The Safety of God's Kingdom
[38:34] - Surrender and Peace

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:16-17 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
2. Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
3. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

#### Observation Questions
1. How does Julian of Norwich describe the relationship within the Trinity, and what does this reveal about the nature of God? [24:22]
2. What are the three properties of the hazelnut that Julian meditates on, and what do they signify about God's role in creation? [28:45]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of listening to God as a way of life rather than just a spiritual discipline? [32:19]
4. How does the sermon describe the universe as a "perfectly safe place" in the context of living in the kingdom of God? [36:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Julian's meditation on the crucifixion and the Trinity suggest about the interconnectedness of Jesus' sacrifice and the nature of God? [23:12]
2. How does the concept of admiration within the Trinity challenge or enhance traditional views of God's nature? [24:22]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual disciplines are tools rather than the ultimate goal in our relationship with God? [32:19]
4. How does the assurance of living in God's kingdom provide a foundation for peace and surrender in one's life? [36:20]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of admiration within the Trinity. How can you cultivate a sense of admiration and joy in your relationship with God and others? [24:22]
2. Julian's meditation on a hazelnut highlights God's care for even the smallest things. How can this perspective change the way you view your daily life and responsibilities? [28:45]
3. Listening to God is described as a way of life. What practical steps can you take to incorporate listening to God into your daily routine? [32:19]
4. The sermon mentions the universe as a perfectly safe place because of God's presence. How can this assurance help you face fears or uncertainties in your life? [36:20]
5. Surrender is key to finding peace in God's kingdom. What areas of your life do you find difficult to surrender, and how can you begin to let go? [38:34]
6. Consider the role of spiritual disciplines in your life. Are there any specific disciplines you feel called to focus on, and how might they help you grow closer to God? [33:29]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to live without fear, knowing that God is with them? What words or actions might you use to reassure them? [38:53]

Devotional

Day 1: The Trinity's Circle of Admiration
The Trinity is a dynamic relationship of mutual admiration and joy among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine admiration is not confined within the Godhead but extends to humanity, inviting us into a circle of love and joy. Understanding this dynamic can transform our view of God from a distant deity to an intimate, relational presence in our lives. Julian of Norwich's insights remind us that the Trinity is not a static theological concept but a living, breathing relationship that we are invited to participate in. This invitation is a call to experience the love and joy that flows within the Trinity and to allow it to shape our lives. [24:22]

John 17:21-23 (ESV): "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the divine circle of love and admiration today, both in your relationship with God and with others around you?


Day 2: God's Love in the Smallest Things
Julian's meditation on a hazelnut reveals the profound truth that God is the creator, lover, and sustainer of all things, no matter how small. This perspective shifts our understanding of the universe and God's role in it, reminding us that even the smallest things are held in God's loving hands. By contemplating the simplicity and depth of God's love, we are invited to see the world through a lens of divine care and attention. This understanding encourages us to trust in God's providence and to recognize His presence in every aspect of our lives, no matter how insignificant it may seem. [28:45]

Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV): "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Reflection: What small aspect of your life can you entrust to God's care today, recognizing His love and attention to even the smallest details?


Day 3: Conversational Relationship with God
Listening to God is not just a discipline but a way of engaging in a conversational relationship with Him. This practice is vital in the kingdom of God, where communication is fundamental. Spiritual disciplines support this listening posture, but the ultimate goal is a life surrendered to God's guidance. By cultivating a habit of listening, we open ourselves to God's voice, allowing His guidance and reassurance to shape our lives. This practice transforms our spiritual journey from a monologue to a dialogue, where we actively participate in a relationship with God. [32:19]

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"

Reflection: How can you create space in your day today to listen for God's voice, and what might He be inviting you to hear or do?


Day 4: Living in the Safety of God's Kingdom
In the Divine conspiracy, the universe is a perfectly safe place because we are living in the kingdom of God. This assurance allows us to live without fear, knowing that God is with us. The key to peace is surrender, rooted in the knowledge of God's presence and love. As we cultivate habits of listening and surrender, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with God, where we can live without fear and with the assurance of His love and guidance. This understanding invites us to step into the world with confidence, knowing that we are held in the safety of God's kingdom. [36:20]

Psalm 4:8 (ESV): "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Reflection: What fears or anxieties can you surrender to God today, trusting in the safety and peace of His kingdom?


Day 5: Surrendering to God's Peace
True peace comes from surrendering to God, knowing that we are not running the show but living in His kingdom. This surrender is supported by habits of listening and the encouragement of others who speak God's truth into our lives. By letting go of our need for control, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from trusting in God's presence and love. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice that invites us to live in alignment with God's will, experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding. [38:34]

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes


I saw the red blood running down from under the crown, hot and flowing freely and a living stream just as it was the time when the crown of thorns was pressed against his blessed head okay she is meditating on this experience in the crucifixion and it led her to a whole contemplation on the Trinity. [00:22:44]

The Trinity is God God is the Trinity the Trinity is our maker the Trinity is our protector the Trinity is our Everlasting lover isn't that amazing sentence the Trinity is Our Endless joy and Bliss but our Lord Jesus Christ by our Lord Jesus Christ and in our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:23:09]

Many people don't think of admiration I with reference to the trinity and they don't think of what is going on within the trinity and I'd like to point out to people that they're members of the Trinity admire one another yeah and they are filled with joy with other the other members of the Trinity. [00:24:23]

Julian's meditation on a simple hazelnut illustrates the profound truth that God is the creator, lover, and sustainer of all things, no matter how small. This understanding shifts our perspective from seeing the universe as vast and God as small, to recognizing the universe as small in the hands of a big God. [00:28:30]

Hearing God is such a whole life experience should we think of listening to God as a spiritual discipline it is is it a discipline what's the relationship between that conversational life with God and the disciplines that you write about the spirit of the disciplines. [00:29:44]

Hearing God I believe is an absolutely vital thing in practicing disciplines because it's the only thing that can give you the impression that you're here out you're out here on your own serving and praying and solituting and all of those sorts of things and you're going to make it happen. [00:30:52]

Listening to God is not so much a spiritual discipline as a way in which to do spiritualness that's right yeah it is certainly you never want to do disciplines without listening to God yeah in the Divine conspiracy one of the phrases that you write about that is a lot discussed in churches. [00:32:27]

In the presence of the Kingdom this universe is a perfectly safe place for you to be and I think that strikes many of us so powerfully a because doesn't look that way but B because it's a way to peace in a life that so many of us find to be fearful. [00:36:28]

My universe is a perfectly safe place yeah well that's the main part actually and so for example when I in the morning arise I I one of the things I will routinely say is God is here that's the main part okay yeah because I think very often one of the things that I'll battle. [00:37:12]

I'm perfectly safe because I'm living in the kingdom of God Beyond crucifixion and when that's the message then a life of conversation with god becomes something I actually want to have I think so I should have right because you're not you're not running a show or a reality you're not running a kingdom. [00:38:07]

The key to peace is surrender but you have to know something in order to surrender and you have to have some basic habits and you need wonderful people that you know are speaking for God to say things like go forth today without fear. [00:38:34]

Disciplines are like remedies for specific needs they're not righteousness you're not righteous because you do a discipline any more than you're righteous because you take medicine you take medicine to help with a specific difficulty and where you want to get is where you don't need any disciplines. [00:34:13]

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Transcript
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