Thursday, August 12, 2010
The theology of Rest in God
[23] And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. [24] And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. [25] And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” [26] And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. [27] And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
(Matthew 8:23-27 ESV)This would probably seem most familiar to you, and it would sure seem most familiar to me! But today, God has spoken to me so clearly and personally, and allowed me to (i cant think of the word. if you know what im looking for, comment!) you know, understand in a much deeper way with experiencing it personally! As cliche as this may sound, God works in Wondrous ways!
This morning, i was mega troubled. like seriously troubled. i cant think of the right word, but troubled would be closest to it. i was troubled for various reasons that i shall not share, but yea. and for those who know me better, you would know that it had to be a lot of things, and huge things at that, to get me actually, troubled. I don't know if you would understand the state that i was in, but i was wreck inside. and though i didnt really display it outside(maybe i was a bit quieter) but inside, i was at breaking point.
I was so wrecked, i felt it so difficult to even go to God in earnest prayer, but i thank God that the Holy Spirit still came through, and led me to my knees- almost literally. And so i began praying, and praying. Remembering the oh so famous words of Don Moen in i cant remember which song "The bible says to cast your cares unto Jesus for He cares for you. Friends, this is not a ______, its a command!" As you can see i really cant remember, but these words have always left a deep impression on me. And so, i began praying, and really casting like a fishermen would cast his net unto Jesus.
I just prayed and prayed. soon the bell rang. that meant assembly. Then, (this part is quite amusing now that i think about it), the practice of my school is that we have morning prayer and a verse for the day. Today, was Rom 8:28. so i gestured to duncan who was by some weird reason beside me, saying thats my favourite verse. Then, English period came. Even at this point, i was still terribly troubled. so i began praying, and then Phil 4:6-7 came to mind, and then Rom 8:28 came back, and so i began to pray these verses.
I really submitted everything to God, trusting that He is sovereignly in control, and That "
He has promised good to me, His word my hope secures"(from Amazing grace-my chains are gone). And with thanksgiving, i prayed till i had peace, that guarded not only my heart, but my mind too.
I realised that this may be quite a boring post since im not giving any details and its quite hard to follow...
Anyway, yes, so soon after, came PE lesson, and to cut long stories short, everything almost "miraculously" turned out to be GREAT. like really. It was as if God was saying, "Yea, you've learnt to trust entirely in me, to humble yourself and realise that I am not only am totally in control, but i am Omniscient
and Omnipotent, so im gonna show you know that i am totally in control. You were fine the whole time!" Well, that relieved one of the bigger things at least. really i just overflowed in thanksgiving and praise!
indeed "Forever God is FAITHFUL, forever God is STRONG, forever God is WITH US, FOREVER!" To know that God works for us, and that He is totally in control, and totally powerful enough for every situation to work it for our good, is a wonderful wonderful thing.
And just like this passage, i've been through a storm, and when i turned to God in desperation, sure in the beginning it sure showed i was a "man of little faith", but after i was chided and revealed of my condition through this trial, He not only calmed the storm entirely, He also left me in bewilderment and a new faith in Him, that which allows me to rest completely in God.
God is good all the time
He put a song of praise
In this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night
His light will shine
God is good
God is good all the time
If you're walking through the valley
There are shadows all around
Do no fear He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound
He has promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you
And His Word is true
We were sinners so unworthy
Still for us He chose to die
He filled us with His Holy Spirit
Now we can stand and testify
That His love is everlasting
And His mercies they will never end
Though I may not understand
All the plants You have for me
My life is in Your hands
And through the eyes of faith
I can clearly see
Indeed, God is Good?
came at8:35 PM
