The Arrow from Which We Quiver

By Wangari Murathe

“He has caused the arrows of His quiver to enter into my heart [the seat of my affections and desires]. (Lamentations 3:13 AMP)

In Greek mythology, Eros shoots arrows which upon piercing the heart of a subject he fancies cause a mighty bond of romantic love to be formed. Eros is depicted as charming and very beautiful, but also bitter sweet, unscrupulous, mischievous, manipulative and cruel to his victims. Erotic love may feel good but it is mainly driven by the selfish regard to possess. It is also transitory and dependent on circumstances. It is not an “until death do us part” love.

Christ also sends arrows of his quiver into his chosen people’s hearts. Such people include the prophet Jeremiah, you, and me.  But when we are pierced by arrows from Christ, the selfless love of God (agape) results; forming a deep bond between us and God. Christ reins in our hearts and we willingly come under God’s discipline. We  chose to learn loving the hard lessons on humility, patience, and self control; and to constantly reflect on what God wants.

When the affections and desires of Christ rein in our hearts, other people may not understand our actions. Even others we expect to be equally yoked may be tempted to stray from the narrow path.  They may laugh and mock us like they did Jeremiah especially if the Lord does not grant us worldly success. But as Jeremiah said, each of us should resolve; “…the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:24). We should rejoice in the knowledge that, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed.  For his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22.

At the end of the day, each of us runs a lone race  for the eternal alone, with Christ the only dependable support and relief. He is the nerve centre from which we quiver when we say, “It’s no longer I that liveth, But Christ that liveth in me!”.

“Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone
even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.”
― Kahlil Gibran