Post Nineteen: We have to Trust

My used-to-be-boyfriend/now-husband knows I love books. Often, to cheer or surprise me, he will take me to a bookstore or library unannounced. On one such occasion, a few years back we were in a used book store when I found a treasure: a small, well-loved Archibald Rutledge book. As the poet laureate of South Carolina for many years, you can imagine he has a way with words. I am always struck by the beautifully simple way he will state the most complex idea. In this book, he explains his thoughts on why God created a beautiful world. If you ever find his books anywhere, buy them! It will be well worth it for your soul.*

a candle's touch

Over the last few weeks, the question keeps arising: how do I have strength to hope? Never mind ME, how do people who live in far greater despair than I find the strength, the will, the belief to hope? To what do we cling when we question everything, including ourselves? To whom do I turn when life crumbles?

If we are to hold anything – and in times of sorrow we must have something to which we can cling- it must be to the unseen. For the strength that is permanent, we have to lean on visions; for immortal hope, we have to trust, not the things that we perceive but those invisible things that our spirits affirm.

– Archibald Rutledge Life’s Extras

*I cannot resist the temptation to note: When I checked out with this book, the lady at the register remarked that she did not think anyone under the age of 40 had ever heard of the man. I was happy to prove her wrong and assure her Ol' Archibald and I were well acquainted. More on him later though.

Post Ten: Thy Will

what is counted?

No one who has ever said to God, "Thy will be done," and meant it with his heart, ever failed to find joy - not just in heaven, or even down the road in the future in this world, but in this world at that very moment.     -Peter Kreeft 

Post Nine: Living as One

sublimity

Perhaps I need to dive more into the character of God for another day-- or twelve. One day and one chapter may not be enough. During this process, I am asking, When I say, thy will be done, do I mean it?

These are the dreams of my Partner:

I thought to myself, How wonderful it would be to treat you like children and give you a beautiful land, an inheritance unrivaled among the nations. And I thought, You will call me father, and you won't turn away from me.

This is His promise:

Return, unfaithful Israel, declares the Lord. I won't reject you, for I'm faithful, declares the Lord; I won't stay angry forever.

from Jeremiah 3

I encourage you to do this as well, to supplement what is given here.

Post Eight: Knowing our Partner

viewpoint

Psalm 111-


Praise the Lord!
 I will thank the Lord with all my heart
      as I meet with his godly people.
 How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
      All who delight in him should ponder them.
 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
      His righteousness never fails.
 He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
      How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
 He gives food to those who fear him;
      he always remembers his covenant.
 He has shown his great power to his people
      by giving them the lands of other nations.
 All he does is just and good,
      and all his commandments are trustworthy.
 They are forever true,
      to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
 He has paid a full ransom for his people.
      He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
      What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
      All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
 Praise him forever!

Post Six: Hope and Trust

a way through

Redemption is our sin, our slavery, our debt PAID by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

If He has done this, surely, we can trust Him with all else.

Question of the week:

Why is it our human nature, amidst tragedy, to go first to feeling abandoned rather than redeemed?