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Words amidst hope and despair
by Adam Bennett There are times when Paul's clarity about the sovereignty of God, like what we read in Ephesians, is very comforting. There are also times when my experience and feelings make it hard to relate to his very certain view. At those times I'm glad that, while Paul made a pretty significant contribution to the Bible, he didn't write all of it. I'm especially grateful for the honest, but not always effervescent, writing of the Psalmists. For instance, within the Psalms we read, "You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound." (Psalm 4:7 NIV) They also say, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" (Psalm 42:11 ESV) You can even read, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1) The Psalms remind us that God is God as much when we are joyful as distressed - as much when we're certain as when confused. It's no wonder the Psalms are considered wisdom books. The LORD is my light and my salvationwhom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my lifeof whom should I be afraid?... Though an army deploy against me, my heart is not afraid; though war break out against me, still I am confident... For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. (Psalm 27:1,3,5 HCSB) Copyright Adam Bennett 2009. More articles are available at http://godward-thoughts.blogspot.com/ Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |