The book of Joel was a very good read. I enjoyed all of it's imagery and although it seemed at some times repetitive, I think that, if we are honest, most of our suffering leads us into circular thinking and doubt. When drought in life comes, it's very easy to doubt even the very existence of God. When storms roll our way it is sometimes easier to grab a man mad umbrella than to turn to the maker of the storm. When the "locusts" of life swarm and feast on all that we love, how will we react. I know that we should cling to God in the face of devastation, so why does it seem so natural to turn away from him. Job is a prime example of a righteous man who was tested. Everything that he labeled important was taken away from him. I think the Book of Joel is a perfect passage to reflect on when trials come.
"No matter how deep, the hole can be, there's always light shining from the top. When everyone turns and runs away, i know that grace will never stop"
Even when we reach that point of famine and think that all hope is lost, it isn't. I think of it like this...
Johnny is dating this girl, who meets all the criteria on his five point check list and even has a nice family. He dates her for a few years and thinks that she is the only girl who his 7 pound heart could ever love. They do, for all intents and purposes love each other. Johnny's woman does him wrong. Johnny's 7 pound heart is broken. In these days/months of recovery/devastation, Johnny doesn't see there being any light, after all she was the "best thing for him." When in all actuality there is some that is so much better and there is a reason he had to feel that hurt.
Everything happens for a reason, famine, hurricane, earthquake, heartbreak. Regardless of whether we immediately see the reason, or it takes a while for us to see the purpose through a cloud of pain.
"although the sorrow may last for the night, the joy comes in the morning."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
you made some very good points andrew! Joel is definitely an inspiration...because I am not sure I would have been as strong as he was.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading this. It was very encouraging throughout. I know everything happens for a reason, but in the moment I wish could know how God will use it. I also like your two quotes/ lyrics. even though you use the wrong homonym for the first "whole". but no big deal. I appreciate your posts very much.
ReplyDeleteYour illustration presents a good way of supporting the book of Joel. God does put us through trials to help us grow. If not we would never grow. Its like doctrine vs. teaching. Doctrine is important, but if we never grasp anything for ourselves we won't be able to defend or support what we believe. We just have something that has been spoon fed to us over time.
ReplyDeleteAlso when we ask God for things, he isn't just going to grant us that, but he is going to place opportunities in our lives' were we can attain and learn the trait or whatnot we have been asking for. Going through real life is what helps define us as people, and going through the trials that God places in our lives helps us to grow closer to him and as followers of Christ.
I liked reading your analogy. I feel analogies like that can help us understand things in a new light. Good analogies can also prove Biblical points can be relevant to those unfamiliar with the Bible.
ReplyDelete