Rumi: Work In The Invisible

Do you feel (or ever felt) that your work goes unnoticed or unappreciated? I have. Anyone in the service, ministry, or help arena has certainly felt this.

Rumi’s response to this feeling is the importance of spiritual work and inner transformation. He emphasizes that true, meaningful work is not just the physical labor or outward action that people see, but the inner effort to cultivate love, humility, and connection with the divine, and invisible work leads to a deeper understanding of life, bringing one closer to spiritual truth and enlightenment. The story further encourages focusing on the inner, spiritual dimensions of life rather than being solely concerned with external appearances or material achievements.

Transcript

Work in the Invisible By Rumi The prophets have wondered to themselves,

How long should we keep pounding this cold iron?

How long do we have to whisper into an empty cage?

Every motion of created beings comes from the Creator.

The first soul pushes,

And your second soul responds,

Beginning,

So don't stay timid.

Load the ship and set out.

No one knows for certain whether the vessel will sink or reach the harbor.

Cautious people say,

I'll do nothing until I can be sure.

Merchants know better.

If you do nothing,

You lose.

Don't be one of those merchants who won't risk the ocean.

This is much more important than losing or making money.

This is your connection to God.

You must set the fire to have light.

Trust means you're ready to risk what you currently have.

Think of your fear and hope about your livelihood.

They make you go to work diligently every day.

Now consider what prophets have done.

Abraham wore fire for an anklet.

Moses spoke to the sea.

David molded iron.

Solomon rode the wind.

Work in the invisible world,

At least as hard as you would do in the visible.

Be companions with the prophets,

Even though no one here will know that you are.

Not even the helpers of the group of true,

Pure believers in God.

You can't imagine what prophet will come when one of those generous ones invites you into his fire.

Go quickly.

Don't say,

But will it burn me?

Will it hurt?

Reviews

Enough with being timid...
Move boldly...
I Belong Here

Carol I think this is the most potent poem for me that you have recorded so far. I'm going to listen to this one again. Blessings to you 💗