Wrestling with the Divine: from Fear to Freedom

Wrestling with the Divine: from Fear to Freedom

Let’s start with a story you might know, the tale of Icarus. In Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of the master craftsman Daedalus. Daedalus created the Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete and later made wings out of feathers and wax for himself and Icarus to escape from Crete. The story of Icarus is famous because it highlights the dangers of hubris and disobedience. Icarus was warned not to fly too high due to the limitations of the wax, nor too low due to the limitations of the feathers. Ignoring his father’s warnings, Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing the wax in his wings to melt and leading to his fall into the sea, where he drowned.

This story reminds us that we need to understand our own limits and respect the laws of nature and the rules of the universe as we understand them. It seems to be our very nature to seek this Order within Chaos or Chaos within Order.

This respect for natural laws and the power of the Divine is echoed in many religious texts. One common phrase is that “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of wisdom. This is not a fear rooted in terror, though it is understandable how creatures as small as us might feel before the Sun or the stars, let alone a creator of such wonders. This fear is more of a profound respect and awe for the universe and its laws. It serves as a constant reminder, much like the story of Icarus, to be mindful of our place in the grand scheme of things, especially when we grapple with powerful concepts such as the endless void of nothingness, which we call zero, and the ideal, the first whole number, from which all is summarized by the word universe or one turn/verse.

Zero and one, seemingly simple, are fundamental building blocks in the realm of reality. They represent the concepts of absolute endless nothingness and infinite complete self-sufficient wholeness, or more simply, non-existence and existence, off and on. Whether in accounting, mathematics, or computing, these are the beginning of order, and between them lies a chasm of chaos. These concepts remind us of the contrasts, paradoxes, and delicate balance that exists in the universe; a balance we must strive to understand and respect, much like the sky and sea that were ignored by dear Icarus.

Fear is such a profound concept, essential for our species’ survival, yet often also responsible for our species’ paralysis in everything from tyrannical oppression to personal development. I personally fear the consequences of missed opportunities, which is just one personal hell. Fear, as I said, often keeps us stuck. Interestingly, the word “fear” itself appears 404 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Even more interesting is the phrase “fear not” appears 61 times, with similar phrases like “fear ye not” appearing 31 more times. While the exact count may vary with different translations, the recurring theme is clear: the Bible frequently encourages its readers to trust in God and not be consumed by fear.

The pursuit of understanding these things always points back to the concept of perfection, an ideal state of complete harmony and order. An attempt to even quantify such things is challenging, requiring us to wrestle with the forces of nature, like gravity, and the mysteries of life, such as our genetic code. Yet, even as we face these challenges, we are reminded not to be paralyzed by fear. “Fear not, do not be afraid, worry not” are words of encouragement that echo through time, reminding us that while life can be challenging, we should not let fear stop us. If we stay true to ourselves and are committed to growth, then as a part of nature, our struggle becomes a catalyst for transformation. It’s through facing challenges that we find our strength and resilience, as a tree finds its trunk under the cold and warm winds of the year’s seasons.

In consideration of these thoughts today, I was reminded of a willingness to face destiny; to look fate in her deep dark eyes, and I was reminded of Jacob, the trickster, the usurper who with stubbornness was willing to do what few are; Jacob willingly and intentionally grabbed God.

The biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God until he transformed into Israel serves as a powerful testament to this truth. Here, a man wrestles with God, refuses to give up, dislocates his hip, and walks with a limp. Yet, he did not fear wrestling with God, and God blessed him with a new name and honor. His transformation was not without struggle, but it was through this struggle that he discovered his true self. In the same way, we too must work on our own transformation. We must not be afraid to wrestle with God, the forces of nature, the mysteries of life, and above all, our own being.

Jacob’s wrestling with God can be seen as a child clinging to a parent, seeking a blessing with determination and trust. This childlike faith and persistence are key to our own growth. We must approach our struggles with the same innocence and tenacity, knowing that through our efforts, we can achieve profound transformation.

I hope to have encouraged you not to shy away from life’s challenges. Embrace the struggle, for it’s through this that we truly grow. Don’t be afraid to grapple with powerful concepts, the ideal of perfection, and the forces of nature. Remember who you are, remember your place in the universe, and most importantly, remember not to let fear hold you back. Wrestle wisely and well, as Jacob did, to become Israel. Face your fears with courage but avoid the hubris of Icarus. Strive boldly, embrace the struggle, and transform through the journey. Wrestle well, and may your efforts lead you to profound blessings and a deeper understanding of yourself and your universe, whatever your sphere.

References:

??? The Tale of Icarus from Greek Mythology.

??? The Bible: Proverbs 9:10, Isaiah 41:10, Genesis 32:22-32.