post 50. Reading Reflection
From the Heidelberg Catechism:
Q: How does the knowledge of God’s creation and providence help us?
A: We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from His love. All creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they can neither move nor be moved.
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“For many Christians, coming to grips with God’s all-encompassing providence requires a massive shift in how they look at the world. It requires changing our vantage point — from seeing the cosmos as a place where man rules and God responds, to beholding the universe where God creates and constantly controls with sovereign love and providential power.”
“There are no accidents in your life. Every economic downturn, every phone call in the middle of the night, every oncology report has been sent to us from the God who sees all things, plans all things, and loves us more than we know. Whether it means the end of suffering or the extension of suffering, God in His providence is for us and not against us.”
Excerpts from The Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung.
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The more I read from the Heidelberg (along with the great commentary by Kevin) God’s mercy and grace continue to amaze and humble me.
God, You are the sovereign Lord over all. You are worthy to be praised. You watch over me when life is difficult. When I worry about things such as finances, relationships, family, work, the future, my reputation, and many of the things I do not even see yet, remind me just how small my worries are compared to what you must have faced during your time here on earth. Amidst the difficult journeys, betrayal, hopeless situations, temptations, and ultimately your fate on the cross, knowingly You served with trust, grace, and gratitude. Never did you complain or become anxious about what was to come of tomorrow. Help me to be like You Lord. Move me to trust like You. Move me to serve as You did. Move me to respond to the gospel instead of being demanding to the gospel. When my plans and agenda’s fall through move me to respond with joy and rejoicing instead of malcontent and bitterness. Thank you for embracing the cross in my place. Thank you for trusting perfectly to the end. As Kevin DeYoung so fearlessly writes, whether it means the end of suffering or the extension of suffering… Help me to sing in the sunshine and through the storm. If the storm brings me to my knees and shifts pride to humility, Jesus bring the rain. God I honestly fear those last four words. But because of Jesus I know that I have the greatest peace, love, and mercy on my side. Thank you Lord. You are the perfect, holy, and amazing God worthy of all the praise, honor, and glory. Let your providence reign.
It’s that time of year again… school starting up and catching up through ‘blog posts’ haha. “All creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they can neither move nor be moved.” True DAT.