Learning from the Mystics

 Feeling or Knowing God’s Presence Through the Mystics

Modern Mystics

“But the fruit of the Spirit is ‘love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ Against such things, there is no law.”—Galatians 5:22-23.

I recently met with an amazing group of people seeking God in their lives. They asked several questions: “How do you know you are in a relationship with God? How do you know God’s presence? How do you know God is speaking to you?”

I have always been skeptical of people who tell me, “This is what God told me to do.” I do not recognize the voice of God until maybe after something has happened, not before.

However, I have learned that I may be doing God’s will if I feel the presence of the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Christian Mystics

We can also learn from the experiences of others who were deeply attuned to God’s presence. They are known as Christian mystics. They could more clearly see God’s love and presence all around them, in others, and within themselves. 

Richard Rolle, the 14th-century English mystic, describes being in relationship with God when he feels a physical warmth in his body, senses God’s sweetness, and hears heavenly music while chanting the Psalms. I know music touches our soul, and the warmth and sweetness Rolle feels may be among the fruits of the Spirit. 

I have heard others say they have a gut feeling of assurance when they believe they are doing God’s will. Another common experience of God’s presence occurs in nature, where we feel the presence of something greater than ourselves. Others may learn more about God’s presence when they become ill or lonely, or when they are suffering or dying. Many experience God in prayer.

Experience tells me that people of the feeling (F) type in the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator may be more inclined to develop this relationship with the Divine. But I also know that thinking (T) people can experience this presence and assurance through logic and truth found in research and reading.

The approaching summer is a good time to read about mystics and find your favorite. I hope to spend the summer with Hildegard of Bingen, listening to her music.

[See Ursula King, Christian Mystics: Their Lives and Legacies Throughout the Ages (HiddenSpring, 2001).]

Orthodox Mystics from Susan Cushion