Yo guys, blogmonkey ches here. I'm just sitting here after a long day. Had my first exam paper today-- MIB.
Ick.
But it's all good. At least it's over, right? I'm feelin' especially close to God right now. Got Blessed playing and I'm just worshipping God for all His glory and incredible goodness, and I just wanted to share something with you guys.
I've been reading articles here and there, and came across one from the writer of Our Daily Bread that really taught me something.
What does trust look like when we can't explain our trouble, or see beyond it? Listening to our friends about how they show faith in crisis can be confusing. In many ways, questions about what it means to trust God can almost be as troubling as the problem itself. But the Bible has everything we need to know about trusting God.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Even godly men and women of the past were deeply disturbed by the problems in their lives. King David wouldn't eat or be comforted as he pleaded with God for the life of his dying child (2 Samuel 12:16-17). Even Paul had "great heaviness and continual grief" for unsaved family and friends (Romans 9:2). This shows us that trust can cry, groan, and even doubt. It's natural to express these things when you're troubled, but it doesn't necessarily mean you trust God any less. But Jesus did encourage us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). And God has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Don't be afraid to be honest with God. Abraham laughed at God's promise to make him the father of many nations. David openly expressed his despair and helplessness when he was in situations he couldn't control. Job accused God of being unfair. When heaven seemed to be ignoring them, they said so. When they thought they had an argument, they expressed it. They learned to trust God even in the darkest points of doubt.
Don't underestimate God. One of the greatest (and most comforting) truths of the Bible is that when we are helpless, God is not. But trust is more than just knowing that God will help us. If God doesn't answer our prayers in the time or the way we've asked, it's because He can see what we cannot. Joseph was sold into slavery, but learned to trust God. He ended up saving Egypt from severe famine, and later on told his brothers, "As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20).
YDMers, keep trusting God. His sight is infinite and unclouded, and He knows everything. He knows our deepest darkest secrets, and He knows our wants and needs and desires. He knows the things that hurt us, and what brings us joy. God's plans are perfect, and as long as we look to Him for guidance and help, He will make sure we are safe no matter what (Romans 8:28).
And above all else, you can be sure that He has always and will always love us beyond anything we can ever imagine (Romans 8:38-39). Always remember this, guys-- If God doesn't answer our prayers in the time or the way we've asked, it's because He can see what we cannot.
Ick.
But it's all good. At least it's over, right? I'm feelin' especially close to God right now. Got Blessed playing and I'm just worshipping God for all His glory and incredible goodness, and I just wanted to share something with you guys.
I've been reading articles here and there, and came across one from the writer of Our Daily Bread that really taught me something.
What does trust look like when we can't explain our trouble, or see beyond it? Listening to our friends about how they show faith in crisis can be confusing. In many ways, questions about what it means to trust God can almost be as troubling as the problem itself. But the Bible has everything we need to know about trusting God.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Even godly men and women of the past were deeply disturbed by the problems in their lives. King David wouldn't eat or be comforted as he pleaded with God for the life of his dying child (2 Samuel 12:16-17). Even Paul had "great heaviness and continual grief" for unsaved family and friends (Romans 9:2). This shows us that trust can cry, groan, and even doubt. It's natural to express these things when you're troubled, but it doesn't necessarily mean you trust God any less. But Jesus did encourage us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). And God has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Don't be afraid to be honest with God. Abraham laughed at God's promise to make him the father of many nations. David openly expressed his despair and helplessness when he was in situations he couldn't control. Job accused God of being unfair. When heaven seemed to be ignoring them, they said so. When they thought they had an argument, they expressed it. They learned to trust God even in the darkest points of doubt.
Don't underestimate God. One of the greatest (and most comforting) truths of the Bible is that when we are helpless, God is not. But trust is more than just knowing that God will help us. If God doesn't answer our prayers in the time or the way we've asked, it's because He can see what we cannot. Joseph was sold into slavery, but learned to trust God. He ended up saving Egypt from severe famine, and later on told his brothers, "As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20).
YDMers, keep trusting God. His sight is infinite and unclouded, and He knows everything. He knows our deepest darkest secrets, and He knows our wants and needs and desires. He knows the things that hurt us, and what brings us joy. God's plans are perfect, and as long as we look to Him for guidance and help, He will make sure we are safe no matter what (Romans 8:28).
And above all else, you can be sure that He has always and will always love us beyond anything we can ever imagine (Romans 8:38-39). Always remember this, guys-- If God doesn't answer our prayers in the time or the way we've asked, it's because He can see what we cannot.
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"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."
- Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)
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