The following are reflections on 3 articles by David Powlison:
Suffering and Psalm 119
I am definitely in the categories of seeing this Psalm as long, as well as seeing it at a monologue about the Word of God. I never thought to look at this Psalm as a dialogue, a passage that would speak to the topic of relationships, except that of the author to the Word. I really appreciate Powlison bluntly pointing out that this Psalm “is not actually about the topic of getting Scripture into your life. Instead, it is the honest words that erupt when what God says gets into you. It’s not an exhortation to Bible study; it’s an outcry of faith” (Speaking the Truth in Love, 14). This Psalm really does highlight engaging in meaningful conversation with the One who is the most significant in my life, but I often do not regard Him as such. This kind of openness and honesty ought to shape my conversation with my heavenly Father; in turn, this same sense of openness and direction will then necessarily govern my everyday interpersonal interactions.
Think Globally, Act Locally
I am all too familiar with the disconnect between my life and Scripture. This is especially poignant when life situations, and especially sinful life patterns, seem so looming and overwhelming. However, I need to breakdown these issues into bite-sized pieces and apply specific Scripture to specific circumstances, taking one step at a time. The methodology that is laid out in this chapter is both simple yet profound. It is easy to remember and apply, and is also very effective and effectual. This dynamic expresses in the case study section as orientation, promise, response is easy to remember and also straightforward to apply. This is a helpful tool in any counseling situation, any time of necessary self-reflection, and, really, any conversation.
God’s Grace and Your Sufferings
As I come to the end of this article, I have to say, “Wow!” I don’t think I have ever read an article on suffering that offers such vivid hope and redemptive perspective. The Coda at the end struck a particular chord with me, especially regarding the attitude we ought to have not only in trial but toward the issue of suffering in general. I have in recent times thought that I had learned to have a pretty good attitude towards suffering, and by the grace of God have even been able to flee to Him in trying times- not faithfully and without any grumbling, but looking to Christ with hope knowing that He was indeed working in me to purge out the dross and refine the gold. (As a side note, my pastor used this particular example with me, and I don’t think I will ever forget it. He said that in order to purge the gold even further, the goldsmith has to crank up the heat. As the dross rose to the surface, he can then remove it. The purer the gold becomes the purer and clearer the image of the goldsmith is reflected in the surface of the gold. That is AWESOME!) However, I have never really thought that God could actually bring me to a place where I would welcome suffering. I have always been perplexed with the disciples who rejoiced that they could suffer for Christ’s sake. The way it was laid out in this chapter was plainly magnificent. What an awesome God we serve!
No comments:
Post a Comment