I’m currently reading Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods with a friend. After reading the introduction, I can’t help but feel like the book comes at a time when my spirit is soft enough for the words to cut through.

In the first chapter, Keller write:

“The most painful times in our lives are when our… idols are being threatened or taken away.”

When I read this, something resounded in me. A sense of illumination was splashed on so many of these noted painful times. In virtually every instance my memory presents, I can see there was something underneath the discomfort or pain. Although still not something I’m able to fully understand.

Nevertheless, I’m convinced that Keller is correct in his assertion that there were idols present there. My emotional response was to the prospect of losing them. And, while most of those things which were ‘threatened’ were eventually lost, I have the sinking suspicion that whatever idol was present is still reigning quietly.

At the same time, however, I’m encouraged that God would deal patiently and graciously, working to remove destructive idols that stand to inhibit my satisfaction that could, and should, be had in Him.