Who’s the Boss?

In times of suffering, some of us can relate to King David’s emotions (or some variation of them) as expressed in Psalms 13:1:

“Long enough, God -
    you’ve ignored me long enough.
I’ve looked at the back of your head
    long enough. Long enough
I’ve carried this ton of trouble,
    lived with a stomach full of pain.”

From experience, I know that serious illness (as a subset of the above) swiftly communicates to the one experiencing the sickness just who holds the ultimate control over the eventual outcome of their health issue (Deuteronomy 30:15).

In a peculiar way the death (of a loved one) often confirms the preciousness of life. Loss can help the living to better appreciate each other, marry patience and love together, and realize what’s really important (and what is rubbish).  

Biblical scholar, A.W. Tolzer, is credited for this insightful comment, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Do you view God as a loving Heavenly Father, a strict Authoritarian (waiting punish you when goof up), or somewhere in the middle of these two points?

Your Creator (and Savior) is aware of your imperfections. He is the only One who can give you the help to turn them into blessings (Isaiah 43:11). You can trust God when you understand His character. When others see divine change in you, God’s love will become irresistible. It may make them aware of how badly they want the joy that is so evident in you (I John 4:8).

With His character qualities of wisdom, authority, holiness, faithfulness, mercy, goodness, graciousness, love, eternality, sameness, omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotence (all-powerful), and omnipresent (everywhere); you can be assured that God has all the tools needed to turn your weak efforts (for good) into something truly spectacular.

Prayer, Bible study, self-help books, and fellowshipping with others (via church) can aid in reaching this goal. Ultimately, how well do you know your Heavenly Father? Are you casual acquaintances or the best of friends?

A worldview is the framework in which someone views the reality of their world. Where does the Almighty fit into this equation for you? Is He an extra or a major performer in the drama of your life?

The more time you spend personally communicating with someone; it’s logical that you’ll get to know them better. The same holds true in a relationship with God. In any endeavor, you get out of it what you put into it. Where do you stand?

*Inspired from the sermon “We Believe: One True God,” by Rev. Matthew Morgan, MA, LPC, February 28, 2016, Eastside Community Church, Gahanna, OH