"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord." Isaiah 55:8 NIV
"...we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God, is worked into something good." Romans 8: 28 MSG
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This song has been playing in my car and on my mind this week. As has the question of why bad things happen to good people. It's been argued over and questioned and no one can really give a satisfactory answer, although many have tried. When I wonder why some people suffer through childhood sexual abuse and it's lifelong impact, or why there are starving children around the world, I guess it's pretty hard to answer that in a few lines or a few books, even.
I do firmly believe that God does not "send" or "give" these, and many other bad things to us. And I fully believe that there is evil lurking in this world, and that some people make terrible decisions with horrible consequences. Yet why doesn't He save us from these things? Especially when we love and follow Him, and cry out in desperate prayer to Him?
Isaiah 55:8 was my answer. Even though it's not totally satisfactory to my curious, demanding monkey of a mind. God gently reminds me that He is in control...and that I cannot think or act in ways that He would. Being all-knowing and all-powerful, I have to trust that He knows what He's doing. Maybe when I see the view from Heaven, I will understand.
Romans 8:28 is also another piece to this puzzle, I think. Somehow, the Spirit works in the most terrible of situations to bring some good out of it, especially to those who believe in Him. I have seen this time and again in my own life, and the life of others. I could identify in the song, with the healing from tears, and the thousand sleepness nights leading to knowing God was with me. Would I go back to erase those tears I cried? I hate to cry, especially in public. No, I would not rewrite these times, because I know they were a large part of my healing journey. Would I prefer to have slept soundly, instead of lying awake worried and sad and fearful many nights? Well in some respects yes! but I also know that I felt closest to God when I needed Him most.
I pray that the hurts and fears you have experienced become blessings and mercies in disguise.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Running on (Spiritual) Empty
"I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty." Ruth 1:21
"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11
As I got into my car today to drive to work, I noticed the empty light was on. It was one of those little signs from God, saying, "pay attention!". Not only was my car desperately needing gas, but I have been feeling desperately empty...thirsty for God, surrounded by water, and yet not taking the time to drink deeply.
From the outside, my car looks pretty good: it's reasonably clean, has new and safe winter tires on, no rust, and has just been tuned up. However, none of those are any indication of the condition of the gas tank, which is blinking orangely at me, begging me to stop for gas soon, before I get stranded. My spiritual life seems much the same: from the outside, I am going to mass, attending prayer group, preparing and teaching religion class, ministering to my family, and doing good works. I am praising and praying regularly. Yet there is an emptiness from which my soul cries "Lord, have mercy on me"....
I know that, unlike my car, periods of emptiness can be good for me. Look what God created out of emptiness (Genesis 1:2). Victory, freedom and new life emerged from an empty tomb (John 20:1). So, when I am empty of myself, God can fill me with Himself, which is a constant prayer of mine. But emptiness is uncomfortable at times....especially in our busy lives filled with assorted chaos, clutter and confusion.
I know the empty light is on for a reason though. I have not paused often enough, to rest in God's Word, to meditate on it and simply BE in His presence, listening to His Word. He has been speaking to me through His Word, but I have not been listening well and allowing His Word to accomplish what He desires.
Lord Jesus, may this period of emptiness be used to fill me with Your presence. May I become less and you become greater. Let the emptiness lead to Your creativity and new life. Strengthen me Lord, so that I may spend time in stillness and quiet, with You and Your Word, each day.
"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11
As I got into my car today to drive to work, I noticed the empty light was on. It was one of those little signs from God, saying, "pay attention!". Not only was my car desperately needing gas, but I have been feeling desperately empty...thirsty for God, surrounded by water, and yet not taking the time to drink deeply.
From the outside, my car looks pretty good: it's reasonably clean, has new and safe winter tires on, no rust, and has just been tuned up. However, none of those are any indication of the condition of the gas tank, which is blinking orangely at me, begging me to stop for gas soon, before I get stranded. My spiritual life seems much the same: from the outside, I am going to mass, attending prayer group, preparing and teaching religion class, ministering to my family, and doing good works. I am praising and praying regularly. Yet there is an emptiness from which my soul cries "Lord, have mercy on me"....
I know that, unlike my car, periods of emptiness can be good for me. Look what God created out of emptiness (Genesis 1:2). Victory, freedom and new life emerged from an empty tomb (John 20:1). So, when I am empty of myself, God can fill me with Himself, which is a constant prayer of mine. But emptiness is uncomfortable at times....especially in our busy lives filled with assorted chaos, clutter and confusion.
I know the empty light is on for a reason though. I have not paused often enough, to rest in God's Word, to meditate on it and simply BE in His presence, listening to His Word. He has been speaking to me through His Word, but I have not been listening well and allowing His Word to accomplish what He desires.
Lord Jesus, may this period of emptiness be used to fill me with Your presence. May I become less and you become greater. Let the emptiness lead to Your creativity and new life. Strengthen me Lord, so that I may spend time in stillness and quiet, with You and Your Word, each day.
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