April 4 – Every Level Down is a Level Up
The way down is the way up. The way of humiliation is the way to glory. St. Benedict
Gregg’s Reflection
When I first read Thomas Keating’s description of the spiritual staircase, it felt like he had been eavesdropping on my journey. I remembered seasons when God seemed so close—my “springtime” of faith—only to have the warmth suddenly vanish. At the time, it felt like failure, like I had done something wrong. Keating helped me see that God was not abandoning me but inviting me deeper, down the steps to a more intimate place.
Looking back, the most transformative growth in my life didn’t come from moments of public success or mountaintop joy—it came from those hidden seasons when my enthusiasm faded, and I had to walk by faith alone. Each descent stripped away another illusion, another false certainty, making room for a truer relationship with God. The “going down” was never the end of the story; it was the beginning of a new depth.
I now trust that every level down is also a level up, releasing new freedom and creative energy. It is the paradox of the spiritual life: what looks like loss is actually expansion. God’s presence is not only found in the sunlight—it’s alive in the shadows, too, patiently leading us to the next step. Here is how Keating illustrated it in Intimacy with God:
Scripture
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10
Ancient Quotes
The way down is the way up. The way of humiliation is the way to glory.
St. Benedict, Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 7
God descends to the humble as waters flow down from the hills into the valleys.
St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Humility.
Modern Quotes
Every level down is also a level up and releases our creative energy. The humiliation of the false self leads to humility and humility leads to invincible trust.
Thomas Keating, Intimacy with God, p. 56
The path to happiness is actually the path of descent. It’s about letting go of our need to be important and letting God be enough.
Richard Rohr, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, p. 46
Journaling Prompts
- Recall a time when God felt distant—what changed in you through that season?
- What false certainty or illusion might God be asking you to release right now?
- How have you experienced a “level down” becoming a “level up” in your life?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 14 Reflection: Failing, Falling, Into the Abyss