PDF Summary:Upon Waking, by Jackie Hill Perry

Many of us struggle to nurture a deep, genuine relationship with God amid the distractions and challenges of daily life. In her book Upon Waking, author Jackie Hill Perry emphasizes the need to move beyond surface-level religious practices and cultivate an authentic bond with the divine.

Perry encourages readers to approach devotional times not as routine tasks, but as opportunities to profoundly understand God's character and be transformed by His presence. She offers practical guidance on addressing doubts, navigating shifting emotions, and allowing the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and align our wills with God's through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and spiritual disciplines.

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Perry integrates this motif throughout her work, sharing narratives of scriptural figures such as Abraham, who, despite significant obstacles, preserved their faith and reliance on God by recalling His past acts of faithfulness. The stories highlight the unwavering character of the Divine, His profound and enduring love, and His vast strength to overcome any obstacle. Perry emphasizes the deliberate act of remembering the steadfast loyalty of the Divine and immersing oneself in sacred texts, which bolsters our belief during tough times.

Readers are encouraged to resist the temptations of skepticism or hopelessness and persistently seek a profound, intimate relationship with the sacred.

Perry motivates her readers to remain resolute in the face of tendencies toward doubt or despair, recognizing such emotions as tactics used by opponents to weaken our faith and lessen our hope. She motivates us to opt for hope and seek a close relationship with the Divine, particularly during times of despair. In her declaration, she stands resolute against malevolent entities and concurrently reaffirms her conviction in the benevolent power of the divine.

The author highlights the assurance found in the Christian belief, stressing that our primary expectation is rooted not in our temporal lives but in the eternal life assured by the Divine. This future reality, she argues, should fuel our perseverance even when present circumstances are difficult. Perry encourages a focus on Christ, the initiator and perfecter of our faith, who endured the crucifixion with the joy set before Him in mind. She contends that embracing this perspective and prioritizing hope over despair endows us with the capacity to encounter spiritual joy and fortitude, particularly during difficult times.

Other Perspectives

• While Perry emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming doubt, some may argue that doubt can serve as a critical tool for personal growth and the development of a more nuanced and mature faith.
• The advice to openly present doubts and challenges to the Divine assumes a personal, communicative relationship with God, which some theological perspectives may not endorse or may interpret differently.
• The encouragement to turn to God for direction and acknowledge dependence on the Divine might be critiqued for potentially discouraging self-reliance and critical thinking in non-spiritual matters.
• The suggestion to contemplate historical demonstrations of God's dependability may not resonate with those who question the historical accuracy or interpretation of religious texts.
• Reflecting on God's past goodness and power as a means to strengthen faith could be seen as subjective and not universally convincing, especially to those who may have experienced or observed suffering and injustice that seem at odds with this portrayal.
• The encouragement to resist skepticism could be criticized for potentially discouraging healthy skepticism, which can be a means of protecting against gullibility and false beliefs.
• The focus on eternal life as a source of hope may not be compelling for those who prioritize the importance of addressing and improving the current, tangible world.
• The call to focus on Christ's endurance of crucifixion for joy might not resonate with individuals who find meaning in different narratives or who interpret the crucifixion story in a different light.
• The emphasis on a profound, intimate relationship with the sacred may not acknowledge the diversity of spiritual experiences and the validity of less emotional or more contemplative forms of spirituality.

The transformative power of honestly approaching God and allowing Him to change our hearts

The book emphasizes that true change and growth are driven by humility, underscoring the essential need for embracing spiritual guidance at all stages of our existence.

Perry underscores that true transformation takes place when we approach the Divine with humility, acknowledging our reliance on His pivotal contribution to our individual growth. She underscores that genuine growth is not a result of individual efforts, but rather the result of surrendering to the transformative power of the divine. In this journey of sanctification, we participate in a transformative process, working in tandem with the divine efforts to purify our innermost being.

Readers are encouraged to acknowledge their sins and vulnerabilities instead of concealing or disregarding them.

Perry advocates for the nurturing of openness and truthfulness, especially in the presence of God, when it comes to acknowledging sin and one's own fragility. She underscores the impossibility of concealing oneself from God, who perceives the innermost parts of our being. She advocates for openly acknowledging our wrongdoings and turning away from them, understanding that genuine restoration and liberation are attainable only when we expose our hidden faults to the divine mercy of God.

The author demonstrates that even the hardest of hearts can be touched and softened by divine grace and compassion.

Perry highlights the extraordinary ability of divine grace to cleanse the most stained soul and repair the most broken spirit. She underscores that our fundamental nature is not defined by past mistakes or present difficulties, but by our identity as children of the Divine, altered through the salvific actions of Christ. The author argues that recognizing this truth improves our outlook on the journey toward sanctification, as we come to understand that God is continuously molding us to mirror the image of His Son.

Readers are urged to accept the challenging yet essential journey of allowing their deepest selves to be molded by divine guidance.

Perry recognizes the complexity involved in transforming the fundamental aspects of an individual's emotions and desires. It demands that we face our deepest fears, tackle areas of conflict, and surrender control to a higher power. Yet, she motivates her audience to welcome the journey, convinced that the discomfort of being pruned will ultimately lead to a bounty of virtue and happiness. She underscores the gentle and nurturing methods that God employs to free us and shape us into mirrors of His splendor, as part of His process of sanctification.

Other Perspectives

• True change can also be driven by personal accountability and self-determination, not just humility.
• Spiritual guidance is one path to growth, but secular philosophies and psychological approaches also offer effective strategies for personal development.
• Some argue that genuine growth is a synergistic process involving both individual effort and external influences, which may or may not be divine.
• While acknowledging sins and vulnerabilities is important, some believe that focusing too much on sin can lead to unnecessary guilt and self-flagellation.
• The concept of divine grace is specific to certain religious beliefs, and others might argue that compassion and change can come from within or from the support of a community.
• One's nature could be seen as a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and personal choices, rather than solely a divine identity.
• The idea that God molds us to reflect His image presupposes belief in a specific religious framework, which not everyone shares.
• Accepting a journey of being molded by divine guidance may not resonate with those who prioritize self-guidance and autonomy.
• Transformation might not always involve facing fears or surrendering control; for some, it could mean taking control and confronting practical realities head-on.
• The discomfort from being pruned does not always lead to virtue and happiness; some might find that self-compassion and acceptance lead to better outcomes.

The pivotal role of the divine nature and historical reliability in upholding our belief.

The book underscores the importance of continuous contemplation regarding the nature and deeds of the Divine throughout history.

Perry emphasizes the importance of anchoring our faith in the unwavering character and dependability of God while navigating the uncertainties of life. She encourages her audience to cultivate a habit of introspection, focusing on the omnipotent force along with the unwavering display of kindness and loyalty as illustrated in the Holy Scriptures and as witnessed in their personal life stories. Jackie Hill Perry contends that actively connecting with the historical dependability of the Divine bolsters belief and ignites hope during challenging periods.

The book advises individuals to base their convictions on the unwavering nature and promises of God rather than their personal circumstances or feelings.

Perry suggests that we shift our focus away from the fluctuating and unpredictable aspects of our personal circumstances and feelings, placing our trust solidly in the unwavering character of God and His dependable promises. She underscores to her audience that God's unwavering constancy is rooted in His immutable character, which remains unaffected by our deeds or the circumstances we face. Our faith remains steadfast in the unshakeable commitment of the Divine to His promises and His active, potent involvement in the existence of believers.

The author underscores the importance of key individuals maintaining their faith by recalling the acts of divine providence in their own lives and within the community of believers.

Perry repeatedly points to examples within Scripture where individuals endured hardship and remained faithful by remembering God's character and His prior acts of redemption. She highlights Noah who persevered in his obedience despite the ridicule of his community, Abraham who had faith in the divine assurance of a son despite his and Sarah's old age, Moses who guided the liberation of God's people, and David who admitted his wrongdoing and embraced divine compassion, reflecting on his own experiences of being forgiven by God. Jackie Hill Perry shares stories that powerfully demonstrate God's steadfast faithfulness throughout history and His ability to deliver us from seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Readers are urged to cultivate a habit of consciously recalling the unwavering nature of the Divine as a means to fortify their belief.

Throughout the book, Perry encourages readers to cultivate a practice of regularly remembering the unwavering faithfulness shown by the divine. This involves engaging profoundly with sacred texts, contemplating narratives that showcase the kindness and power of the Almighty, and remembering the actions the Divine has taken in the lives of believers throughout history and in contemporary times. She encourages frequent reflection on these tenets, believing that intentional remembrance strengthens our understanding of the divine character, kindles hope in difficult times, and cultivates greater trust in His unwavering love and promises.

Other Perspectives

• The reliance on historical reliability can be problematic if the historical accounts are subject to interpretation or lack corroborating evidence from independent sources.
• Continuous contemplation of the divine may not be universally accepted as crucial, as some philosophical or religious traditions emphasize living in the present or focusing on empirical evidence.
• The concept of anchoring faith in an unwavering divine character assumes a specific theological perspective that may not align with all belief systems or individual experiences.
• Encouraging introspection on divine omnipotence and kindness may not resonate with individuals who have experienced or witnessed suffering and injustice that challenge these attributes.
• The idea of connecting with historical dependability of the Divine to bolster belief assumes that past divine interventions are indisputable facts, which may not be accepted by all.
• Basing convictions solely on the unwavering nature and promises of God might be seen as disregarding the value of personal experience and reason in forming beliefs.
• The recommendation to shift focus away from personal circumstances to trust in God's character may not acknowledge the importance of addressing and validating personal emotions and experiences.
• The assertion of God's unwavering constancy rooted in immutable character is a faith-based claim that may not be persuasive to those who require empirical evidence or who hold different views on the nature of divinity.
• The emphasis on faith remaining steadfast in the commitment of the Divine to His promises may not consider the diverse ways in which individuals experience and interpret their faith journeys.
• Highlighting the importance of maintaining faith through recalling divine providence may not take into account the experiences of those who feel that their faith has not been met with divine response.
• Using scriptural examples to demonstrate enduring hardship and remaining faithful relies on the acceptance of these texts as authoritative, which is not universal.
• The practice of consciously recalling the unwavering nature of the Divine to fortify belief may not be effective or meaningful for those who question the existence or nature of the Divine.
• Engaging with sacred texts and contemplating divine narratives assumes that these texts are accessible, relevant, and authoritative to all readers, which may not be the case.
• The essential nature of remembering divine actions in history and contemporary times as a means to strengthen belief may not resonate with those who view history through a secular or non-theistic lens.
• The idea that intentional remembrance can strengthen understanding of divine character and cultivate trust may not acknowledge the complex and varied ways individuals relate to the concept of the divine.

Our spiritual journeys are enriched and supported by the guidance and strength provided by the Divine Counselor.

The book underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit in fostering and maintaining our spiritual growth.

Perry underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers on their journey of faith. She underscores the necessity of personal endeavor in seeking a connection with the divine, while also recognizing that genuine change and the cultivation of spiritual virtues are contingent upon the internal operations of the Holy Spirit. She frequently highlights the Spirit's capacity to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable through our individual strength alone.

The narrative underscores the critical importance of relying on the spiritual fortitude provided by the Spirit to overcome sin, resist temptation, and foster the growth of spiritual attributes.

The author underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in our path toward greater holiness. She emphasizes the vital necessity of spiritual fortitude, because lacking this, we are unable to defeat sin, repel temptation, or develop the qualities that signal the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jackie Hill Perry argues that this reliance shifts our focus from self-sufficiency to seeking direction from a higher power. Our becoming more Christ-like is not a result of our own strength or resolve; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us that brings about this change.

The author emphasizes the importance of having the Spirit reside within us to discern truth, tackle spiritual challenges, and adjust our existence to meet the purposes established by the Divine.

Perry underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit in providing direction and advice, as well as in furnishing the power needed to discern the truth, tackle spiritual conflicts, and comply with the blueprint that God has established. She underscores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the sacred texts, revealing heavenly realities, and deepening our understanding. She emphasizes the importance of strengthening our spirituality to equip ourselves for spiritual conflicts, enhancing our determination to resist the enemy's schemes and preserve unwavering faith. Ultimately, Perry argues that through the divine enablement provided by the Spirit, we can follow God's direction, leading to the display of the Spirit's attributes such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which show the deep change He has brought about in us.

Readers are encouraged to allow the transformative journey to be navigated by the Holy Spirit rather than trying to direct their spiritual path through individual effort alone.

Perry encourages her audience to actively participate in the transformative journey, which is directed by the Holy Spirit. She promotes the cultivation of a keen sensitivity to His direction, comprehending His subtle prompts, and allowing Him to shape our desires and actions. Jackie Hill Perry argues that true freedom and efficacy in one's spiritual journey are achieved by embracing a posture of surrender and dependence on the Spirit.

Other Perspectives

• The emphasis on the Holy Spirit's role may overshadow the importance of community and fellowship in spiritual growth.
• The idea of divine guidance could potentially lead to passivity, where individuals might wait for divine intervention instead of taking proactive steps in their spiritual journey.
• The concept of relying solely on the Holy Spirit for overcoming sin and temptation might be seen as diminishing personal responsibility and the role of free will.
• The narrative could be interpreted as suggesting that spiritual growth is only possible through a specific religious framework, which may not resonate with those of different faiths or secular beliefs.
• The focus on the Holy Spirit's internal operations might be critiqued for lacking empirical evidence, which could be important for individuals who value scientific validation of religious experiences.
• The notion of divine enablement could be challenged by the perspective that human virtues like love, joy, peace, and self-control can be developed through secular means such as philosophy, ethics, and psychology.
• The encouragement to rely on the Holy Spirit for discerning truth might conflict with the idea that truth can also be sought through reason, critical thinking, and empirical evidence.
• The concept of a divine blueprint that individuals must align with could be seen as potentially limiting personal autonomy and the exploration of diverse spiritual paths.
• The idea of spiritual fortitude provided by the Spirit might be critiqued for not sufficiently acknowledging the strength that individuals can find within themselves or through human support systems.
• The call to surrender and dependence on the Spirit could be viewed as contrary to teachings that emphasize empowerment and self-reliance in personal and spiritual development.