This week I've read the preface and the first chapter. While I like to think I know what's going on in the scriptures, I still can't say that I've ever read the Bible cover to cover. I started it on the mission, but got too weirded out with the OT and gave up half way through Genesis. Too many crazy people doing weirdo things.
I decided to read the book of psalms to go along with this book by Elder Holland. His preface talks about how we all face trials and times of trouble, and there are various things that can bring us comfort in hard moments. We all experience trouble and should expect it. He quoted Harold S. Kushner saying that, "...expecting a trouble-free life because you are a good person is like expecting the bull not to charge you because you are a vegetarian." I thought that was funny. And true.
The first psalm I read about this week was Psalm 56:9 which says, "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me." I like that phrase...God is for me. No matter how hard things are or how messed up our lives are or how inconvenient the timing of life is, God is for us. He is on our side. Elder Holland says, "Everything He does is in support of that ultimate purpose [for us to live with Him again], no matter what refinements or trials are required in the achievement of that objective...God's singular, solitary quest is to bless and exalt His children, to save (if they will let Him) every human soul."
There is a reference to Paul commenting on this particular psalm too, which I always think is cool. What would it be like for someone in 2000 years to read about you commenting on a scripture that was written even earlier? Anyway, Paul says, "If God be for us, who [or we might add, what] can be against us?" Romans 8:31 Good thought, Paul. You have a point.
When my baby is screaming at me or spewing some kind of bodily fluid at me, or some lady makes a dumb comment to me at church, or my home teacher tells me how hard it is to have "apartment people" in his ward, or when I don't feel like getting out of bed because...why should I? I have no where to go...or when we don't get a job we want, or do get a job we don't want, or can't find anything to eat in my packed fridge, or definitely can't find anything to wear in my packed closet, or hear about bombs at marathon finish lines, or can't find the pacifier...again, or family pictures don't go as I planned, or I just can't quite seem to get it together...the list could go on forever...
I just need to remember that God is for me. He is rooting for me. He is my biggest fan, and He wants so desperately for me to succeed. That should help me make it through. I bet God is for you too. ;)
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