Good morning, DearHeart!
You know, I was blessed to be raised Southern Baptist – back when the words like “hell”, “Satan”, “damnation”, and “lake of eternal fire” were still heard from the pulpit … back when the Gospel didn’t get watered down. Back when speaking the truth was greater than the fear of being “politically correct” and stepping on toes. (I better stop before I get on my soapbox!)(oh gee. I’m there. My fire is already rising! Lol)
I’m pretty simple minded and get easily tangled up in my shorts on deep theological teachings. (About 5 years ago Russ sent dad a fairly theological book to read and make margin notes, then sent it to me to do the same. I haven’t got past page 3!)
Life gets tough enough. Who needs a complicated religion to hold on to in these days, too … ?!
I’ve learned my God is One who is not too complicated at all. In fact, He bleeds along with us; He sits with us in our agony and weeps … not causing us our distress but providing a steady, Holy presence in it.
This used to leave me with a nagging question of why my Creator won’t always remove certain burdens from me. Having been held by Him through my darkest hours, has allowed space to be brushed by wing tips. It is in His presence that my eyes open to new perspectives. His perspectives. When we allow Him, He guides us to better see the open opportunity provided in tragedy.
Paul writes:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
This isn’t a heavenly insurance policy exempting us from anything unpleasant, but the promise that if we choose to respond to all things from a place of our Father’s love and goodness … that we—not necessarily our circumstances—will grow closer into Him through it.
And, that simplicity is all the insurance that I need.
Wake up.
Holy, steady Presence.
Notice Him – even here.
Go.
Twitter @lewis3sunz
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