Wednesday, June 21, 2017

15 - Green...In California...In Summer...























I think I must be growing.

Some days feel hopeless and make the bad stuff feel more important. 
On other days I feel confident and amazed at how strong I’ve become in some ways.

I’ve had new stressors that have pushed me to adapt and step forward as a leader, I’ve had a chosen few strong mentors at my side as opposed to a mass of mediocre advisors, and I’ve become responsible for the husbandry of several animals.

On most days, I have no inherent interest for God’s Word. Sure, I’ll pray for myself and others throughout the day. But there is little passion for cultivating our relationship. On a certain few days, I will be overcome with despair for my sin, and overwhelmed with adoration for my Abba’s work in my salvation. But, as my dear friend SM reminds me, seeing your feelings as the most important part of your relationship with the King is SIN, for it minimizes the power of the cross.

In light of all this, I praise God. He is worthy of worship not only for the immense growth He has effected in my past, nor for the miracles He is working in my life today, but for all of this, including the future salvation that is in store for me, which is too wonderful for me to understand.

One of my dearest friends used to say that my most godly trait was my desire for growth. I didn’t understand that concept very well the first time I heard it. But I’m beginning to realize how important it is. I thank the Lord of all things for giving me idiosyncratic desires, and this one being something that does not come from my natural self. He is perfecting me and making me holy…. and helping me WANT to be holy.


What a merciful King we serve! 

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."
Isaiah 40:8

Friday, January 20, 2017

14 - Joy

Joy is such a pure thing. It is a hoping and delighting way of life, and somehow it is possible to be deeply sorrowful while continuing in that way of life. Along with Love, Peace, Patience, and others, it is a FRUIT of the Holy Spirit of God. It can only come from Him, through Him. Submission to Him brings the rewards of a fruitful, fruit-filled life.

The deeply sorrowful, intensely longing side of me is always beneath the surface. Today in Old Testament Survey class I was reminded of Psalm 130, the fundamental passage for this blog. I am so longing for the coming King, Christ Jesus my savior. And mixed in with that is my loneliness for family, companionship, the drawing near of the end times.

And yet, Joy.

Righteousness will be His belt, and faithfulness the sash around His waist.

Inshallah.