This evening I was reading through the third chapter of Psalms. This chapter is written by David as he was fleeing for his life from his son Absalom.
David is often referred to as a man who sought after God's own heart. After reading through this chapter, I began to wonder what made David so earnestly seek God?
David, like many other people we consider to be inspirational, had a pretty tough life. Many chapters in the Old Testament are filled with stories of him fleeing from one enemy, or another, and hiding in caves.
I've been in a few caves and while they are fun to explore, I would not likely start real estate shopping for one. They are dark, cold, small, and hard (so basically all around uncomfortable). If I was David I would be complaining from sun up to sun down. But that's not what we read in Psalm 3.
He praises God for always being there to be his shield. He seeks God's will because through his struggle, he has to face the issues at face value. He can't wish them away. He is forced to realize that nothing he do can will ultimately change what he is facing.
David was so strong because he had to deal with so much. Life never seemed comfortable for David too long before the next struggle would hit. But he saw these obstacles as they really are, blessings in disguise.
It was through the constant upheaval of David's life that he learned complete trust in God. The book of Psalms is filled with the evident joy and peace that overcame him.
These Psalms show us the great rewards that await once we learn to do the same. Through the struggle we learn to let go of our control of the situation. We are forced to realize we are weak.
Give up the power struggle and complaining. Allow the shield of the Lord surround you and find peace.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Why I Love Books
There's something magical found between the covers of a book. Being in their presence often inspires me. This is why I love places like the library and Barnes and Noble. It's wonderful reading through the thoughts others have had before, unraveling their beliefs, and seeing the world through their eyes.
I find it amazing that we have been granted such imagination and creativity when our loves ate so fleeting. Others find such awe when they marvel at the latest and greatest technology but I find it when I'm reading through a good book that could have been written a hundred years ago. I often get wrapped up in the world constructed by another and it causes me to ponder the world I live in and see it from a new perspective.
To be assured, I do not hold such loving feelings for all books. There are some written pieces that I feel do not good the honor of being in the presence of other wonderful works. Books are meant to teach us, to better our understanding of ourselves or the world which has been created. That is the mark of a truly good book, to make us think. And that is why I often spend at least an hour at places where books are plentiful. It's another way for me to glimpse God's handiwork. And it helps that they often serve coffee. It's what they stand for that I find so enchanting and often struggle with when it's time to move on to the next scheduled activity. So without further ado, I'm going to get back to my latte and reading.
I find it amazing that we have been granted such imagination and creativity when our loves ate so fleeting. Others find such awe when they marvel at the latest and greatest technology but I find it when I'm reading through a good book that could have been written a hundred years ago. I often get wrapped up in the world constructed by another and it causes me to ponder the world I live in and see it from a new perspective.
To be assured, I do not hold such loving feelings for all books. There are some written pieces that I feel do not good the honor of being in the presence of other wonderful works. Books are meant to teach us, to better our understanding of ourselves or the world which has been created. That is the mark of a truly good book, to make us think. And that is why I often spend at least an hour at places where books are plentiful. It's another way for me to glimpse God's handiwork. And it helps that they often serve coffee. It's what they stand for that I find so enchanting and often struggle with when it's time to move on to the next scheduled activity. So without further ado, I'm going to get back to my latte and reading.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
John 1 and how I Feel About Poetry
Out of the many verses of the Bible, I'd have to say that I enjoy reading the first chunk of John chapter 1 the most. It's very different from many verses in the Bible. It's somewhat ambiguous and full of symbolism. All the times I have read through it, different section become clearer to me or stands out. This of course is true of all verses in the Bible and for many that read it, but John 1 vs 1 through 18 are different for me.
I remember the first time it was read to me, which was most likely in the sunday school or some other sort of Bible class. I had no idea what was going on and I thought it was strange that John decided to begin his version of the gospel in such a way. Middle school version of me wanted to talk to John and ask him what he was really trying to say. I had similar struggles in high school when it came to deciphering poems. I had very little patience for these people called poets who couldn't just spit out what it was they were trying to say.
These irritations continued until one day everything snapped into place. My brain began making connections and forming understanding that was not there before. My frontal lobes matured enough to find meeting and appreciation for the art of poetry.
Part of what gave me such a Eureka moment came from the help of my high school English teacher. They took us step by step through some of the verses of Scripture (one of the Psalms but I can't remember which) until the symbols and the context not only made sense but also spoke to me.
Having attended a Christian school, my teachers also often spoke of the importance of words and language. Reminding me and my classmates of how easily a person can be built up or be brought down low by using words.
These two lessons made me realize the importance of my words and heeled me to understand the beauty of the poetry John had written. John could have written the opening of his gospel in a very different, more direct way, but would it would not be nearly as unique or beautiful.
When I think of John drafting his introduction to Jesus' life and story, I imagined him struggling, attempting to write it in some more comprehensive way, and failing. And then, I imagine him being struck with inspiration and taking a completely different path.
What I found with poetry is that it flows from deep within your soul. Something stirs and we just have to let it out. When I've written poetry I write what comes to me as I go. I believe poetry can often come from the Holy Spirit working in us trying to tell us something in a way that is different from how we usually talk or write.
I found such a stirring after reading through those verses in John just now. Reading a different version (the Message) has also helped to bring some light to what John was inspired to write. I've also for the first time noticed the parallels between the opening of Genesis (speaking the word world into creation through the use of words) and how John takes this idea to explain to us how God was now speaking / creating salvation through Jesus. It's pretty powerful stuff!
I encourage you to take a moment and read the first eighteen verses of John one. Read them slowly, read them aloud, and marvel in the beauty that they hold; the truth that they speak of.
I remember the first time it was read to me, which was most likely in the sunday school or some other sort of Bible class. I had no idea what was going on and I thought it was strange that John decided to begin his version of the gospel in such a way. Middle school version of me wanted to talk to John and ask him what he was really trying to say. I had similar struggles in high school when it came to deciphering poems. I had very little patience for these people called poets who couldn't just spit out what it was they were trying to say.
These irritations continued until one day everything snapped into place. My brain began making connections and forming understanding that was not there before. My frontal lobes matured enough to find meeting and appreciation for the art of poetry.
Part of what gave me such a Eureka moment came from the help of my high school English teacher. They took us step by step through some of the verses of Scripture (one of the Psalms but I can't remember which) until the symbols and the context not only made sense but also spoke to me.
Having attended a Christian school, my teachers also often spoke of the importance of words and language. Reminding me and my classmates of how easily a person can be built up or be brought down low by using words.
These two lessons made me realize the importance of my words and heeled me to understand the beauty of the poetry John had written. John could have written the opening of his gospel in a very different, more direct way, but would it would not be nearly as unique or beautiful.
When I think of John drafting his introduction to Jesus' life and story, I imagined him struggling, attempting to write it in some more comprehensive way, and failing. And then, I imagine him being struck with inspiration and taking a completely different path.
What I found with poetry is that it flows from deep within your soul. Something stirs and we just have to let it out. When I've written poetry I write what comes to me as I go. I believe poetry can often come from the Holy Spirit working in us trying to tell us something in a way that is different from how we usually talk or write.
I found such a stirring after reading through those verses in John just now. Reading a different version (the Message) has also helped to bring some light to what John was inspired to write. I've also for the first time noticed the parallels between the opening of Genesis (speaking the word world into creation through the use of words) and how John takes this idea to explain to us how God was now speaking / creating salvation through Jesus. It's pretty powerful stuff!
I encourage you to take a moment and read the first eighteen verses of John one. Read them slowly, read them aloud, and marvel in the beauty that they hold; the truth that they speak of.
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