Lately I have come to see a trend in the Psych/Helps world. In the ever-so busy, too-much-on-the-schedule world that we live in, we are encouraged to draw boundaries so that the life will not be sucked out of us.
This has always been a foreign notion for me that we should guard ourselves from overcommitment. As I've learned to say "no" and to establish boundaries, I have found that I have been able to live more freely. But I think that I'm beginning to see that others may advocate taking boundaries much too far.
The latest example is in a small group where a new member shared that she felt isolated from the group and she began to tear up. The woman close to here mirrored her feelings as she expressed that she was sad that unbeknownst to the rest of us that one of our members felt this way. She shed a tear with the hurt woman and told her how she knew and hated the feeling of isoloation as well and she wanted to know what we as a group could to help. I turned to the group leaders to check in on how they were feeling. From experience I know that leaders can take too much guilt on themselves and would also need a helping hand. But oh that was not the case. On of the leader's announced that she "healthily" felt no ownership or sadness over the event.
I was terribly appalled! Yes, we should not beat ourselves up over hospitality, but we should at least be sensitive to others. I would argue that being so out of tune with others is a sign of unhealthiness. We can not go about living our own lives demanding "connection" with other people yet we refuse to empathize with them. We are not called to become Jesus, but we are called to carry one another's burdens. Scripture is clear on this point.
Another aspect that Scripture is clear about is that love of neighbor is supposed to stream from a connection with self. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Scriptures that the New Testament verses come from are all in light of God's mercies toward us. Therefore our love of self and love of neighbor are meant to be channeled through God's love toward us.
As the Church, we must be diligent to notice when non-gospel wisdom begins to infiltrate our our world and even within our own theology.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The N-Word
I'm posting a draft of a complaint letter that I wrote in response to a situation that occured last summer where Jesse Jackson used the "n-word" when he thought that his microphone was turned off during an interview.
If you need a refresher, here's the story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss5lYtVvZ9w
The story sparked a debate about who could use the n-word and I was responding to the media discussion. Remember that this is also pre-President Obama.
I am thrilled that the complex rules on who can and who can not say the n-word has come back to the attention of the people's consciousness. As an Undergraduate student, I specialized in African American and Southern History. Had you asked me then who could use the n-word, I would have said that it would be social outrage for whites to use the term, but a means for regaining power for blacks to use the word. We see this movement of reclaiming language of former oppression as a powerful part of identity such as "queer" among gays and lesbians--an instance where the word becomes socially acceptable, though predominately for the victimized group to use.
I accepted this view in college, but once I found myself teaching in both rural and urban middle and high schools, I found that few actually understood the historic power of reclaiming a word, but that folks used the word vainly without true comprehension of history. Use of the word created confusion for both kids and school staff about when and if someone should be punished for such language. For example, the white students were no longer using the word as an insult, but were simply quoting the rap lyrics that they enjoy just as much as their black, latino and Asian counterparts.
Thankfully other venues of experience saved me from seeing only the academic or cultural issues that stem from this controversy. My on-the-side learning comes from both my studies and my social activism around race and urban America. I found that my own identity as a Christian had more to do with the pressing issues of racial reconciliation that I could ever imagine. Given that Rev. Jackson's own perspective comes from the angle of Christianity and Civil Rights, I will also use this medium for my discussion.
The secular model of offering regret over the nation's sins is usually understood as remorse for former sins in the past rather than perpetual and present sin. This model utilizes the legislative process to prevent oppression based on a person's identity. Another manifestation of the model are attempts to ameliorate the effects that oppression can have on certain groups for generations such as affirmative action or in the case of Japanese Americans on the West Coast in the form of monetary reparations.
Realistically, sin is not so easily fixed by human authority and ingenuinity (not saying that some of these ideas aren't creative or earnestly repentant for the past). We're cheating those who experience injustice if we boil the problems down to something mere mortals could fix. How does a nation repent of something like overt and institutionalized racism, slavery and genocide?
The idea behind the secular modes of restoration or restorative justice as they call it involves giving power to those who had at one point or throughout history have been denied power. Balancing out the power struggle won't truly take away years of pent up anger, hurt and resentment. The idea behind the secular modes of restoration or restorative justice as they say involves giving power to those who had at one point or throughout history have been the rendered powerless.
The fulcrum of this tipping scale of power is the secular use to enact both justice and oppression. It will therefore always be in a state of imbalance where there is a constant back and forth and arguments about who holds power and who has a right to it. The Christian model of reconciliation shows us that we really need to remove the fulcrum. A state of equilibrium is what is needed for true balance. This fulcrum is what creates the "dividing walls of hostility" that the Bible says must fall away. These walls are representing in the book of Galatians as a state of sin. Once we repent of our sins, we are then reconciled to God. The penalty of sin that once separated us from God is now removed in repentance and in the work of Christ on the cross so that a relationship with God can truly begin. Out of this relationship comes a commitment tot he reconciling of all things in Christ Jesus as we are ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation.
Regarding the use of the n-word in light of this theology, it is clear that personal and social transformation is part of what it means to be a Christ follwer. As a white person who is barred from saying the word in this culture (and trust me I feel incredibly offended when whites use this word) to the unassuming like my students--the word becomes yet another power struggle. The word has once (and is at times still used) to advocate animosity against blacks. However, according to our secular methods of "sin-managment" the upper hand is given to those who can say the word.
Please do not confuse what I am trying to say. The restrictions of who can and cannot use the word is a question of power and does not resolve the animosity or hostility that continues to divide the races. However, it is not an act of discrimination on par with the historic realities endured by black Americans. Drawing lines of who can and who can't say a powerful word produces inequality rather than justice, equality and mercy.
------
Thoughts a year later...
I think one of the notions that I had in mind while writing this essay or sorts is that when people of color use the n-word, it reminds us whites of the sin of our people. It is not forgiveness, but rather it is a continual reminder that we are sinner's (a true statement), yet it is never allowed to be forgiven. Shame has no place in forgiveness and that is what I at least feel when people of color use the word. The issue of the "who cans" and "who can'ts" creates real problems for multiethnic churches such as mine where we confess our sins before one another, forgive and break bread together. The secular distinctions have a way of attempting to undo the work of the cross that allows shame and guilt to be healed.
If you need a refresher, here's the story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss5lYtVvZ9w
The story sparked a debate about who could use the n-word and I was responding to the media discussion. Remember that this is also pre-President Obama.
I am thrilled that the complex rules on who can and who can not say the n-word has come back to the attention of the people's consciousness. As an Undergraduate student, I specialized in African American and Southern History. Had you asked me then who could use the n-word, I would have said that it would be social outrage for whites to use the term, but a means for regaining power for blacks to use the word. We see this movement of reclaiming language of former oppression as a powerful part of identity such as "queer" among gays and lesbians--an instance where the word becomes socially acceptable, though predominately for the victimized group to use.
I accepted this view in college, but once I found myself teaching in both rural and urban middle and high schools, I found that few actually understood the historic power of reclaiming a word, but that folks used the word vainly without true comprehension of history. Use of the word created confusion for both kids and school staff about when and if someone should be punished for such language. For example, the white students were no longer using the word as an insult, but were simply quoting the rap lyrics that they enjoy just as much as their black, latino and Asian counterparts.
Thankfully other venues of experience saved me from seeing only the academic or cultural issues that stem from this controversy. My on-the-side learning comes from both my studies and my social activism around race and urban America. I found that my own identity as a Christian had more to do with the pressing issues of racial reconciliation that I could ever imagine. Given that Rev. Jackson's own perspective comes from the angle of Christianity and Civil Rights, I will also use this medium for my discussion.
The secular model of offering regret over the nation's sins is usually understood as remorse for former sins in the past rather than perpetual and present sin. This model utilizes the legislative process to prevent oppression based on a person's identity. Another manifestation of the model are attempts to ameliorate the effects that oppression can have on certain groups for generations such as affirmative action or in the case of Japanese Americans on the West Coast in the form of monetary reparations.
Realistically, sin is not so easily fixed by human authority and ingenuinity (not saying that some of these ideas aren't creative or earnestly repentant for the past). We're cheating those who experience injustice if we boil the problems down to something mere mortals could fix. How does a nation repent of something like overt and institutionalized racism, slavery and genocide?
The idea behind the secular modes of restoration or restorative justice as they call it involves giving power to those who had at one point or throughout history have been denied power. Balancing out the power struggle won't truly take away years of pent up anger, hurt and resentment. The idea behind the secular modes of restoration or restorative justice as they say involves giving power to those who had at one point or throughout history have been the rendered powerless.
The fulcrum of this tipping scale of power is the secular use to enact both justice and oppression. It will therefore always be in a state of imbalance where there is a constant back and forth and arguments about who holds power and who has a right to it. The Christian model of reconciliation shows us that we really need to remove the fulcrum. A state of equilibrium is what is needed for true balance. This fulcrum is what creates the "dividing walls of hostility" that the Bible says must fall away. These walls are representing in the book of Galatians as a state of sin. Once we repent of our sins, we are then reconciled to God. The penalty of sin that once separated us from God is now removed in repentance and in the work of Christ on the cross so that a relationship with God can truly begin. Out of this relationship comes a commitment tot he reconciling of all things in Christ Jesus as we are ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation.
Regarding the use of the n-word in light of this theology, it is clear that personal and social transformation is part of what it means to be a Christ follwer. As a white person who is barred from saying the word in this culture (and trust me I feel incredibly offended when whites use this word) to the unassuming like my students--the word becomes yet another power struggle. The word has once (and is at times still used) to advocate animosity against blacks. However, according to our secular methods of "sin-managment" the upper hand is given to those who can say the word.
Please do not confuse what I am trying to say. The restrictions of who can and cannot use the word is a question of power and does not resolve the animosity or hostility that continues to divide the races. However, it is not an act of discrimination on par with the historic realities endured by black Americans. Drawing lines of who can and who can't say a powerful word produces inequality rather than justice, equality and mercy.
------
Thoughts a year later...
I think one of the notions that I had in mind while writing this essay or sorts is that when people of color use the n-word, it reminds us whites of the sin of our people. It is not forgiveness, but rather it is a continual reminder that we are sinner's (a true statement), yet it is never allowed to be forgiven. Shame has no place in forgiveness and that is what I at least feel when people of color use the word. The issue of the "who cans" and "who can'ts" creates real problems for multiethnic churches such as mine where we confess our sins before one another, forgive and break bread together. The secular distinctions have a way of attempting to undo the work of the cross that allows shame and guilt to be healed.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A Bad Few Weeks for Christians in the Entertainment Industry
Jon & Kate Gosselin, Mel Gibson and Carrie Prejean--all one in Christ and stirring the tabloids (and many non-Christians) with their hypocrisy.
Why are the masses calling for their crucifixion? Hypocrisy.
Jon & Kate are making front covers with allegations that their marriage is on the rocks. The couple who parent eight children on a television show on TLC, have Scripture around their house, in their lessons and in their tell-all books. They make regular appearances at mega-churches to speak on parenting. And they had a re-marriage ceremony to show their kids that Mommy and Daddy wanted to make a commitment in front of them to prove that real love is based on commitment. But rumor has it that Dad is having an affair with a 23-year old teacher and Mom is having an affair with her bodyguard who accompanies her on her book tours. Not only that, but they are staying in the marriage (with affairs allowed on the side) not for the kids, but for the money that the tv show brings in.
Meanwhile, Mel Gibson decided to divorce his wife of many years and stepped out quickly with a new girlfriend. The tabloids now claim that what encouraged his wife to file for divorce was that the new woman was three months pregnant with his child! Gasp! All this from they guy who gave us The Passion of the Christ. It was only a few years ago that Evangelicals were eating up all of the hype about the film and putting Gibson at iconic status.
And then there is the other friend of my blog, Carrie Prejean. She made controversial remarks at a beauty pageant and became the poster child for the Evangelical stance on marriage. Ironically, within a week or so of recieving a standing ovation at the Christian Dove Awards, photos of her as a 17-year old posing topless in see-through lacy pink underwear surfaced the web. She didn't deny the photos and say that they were not in the taste of "Christian values" but argued that such photos come with the modeling gig.
Now I'm not here to judge their character. I will also say that I will agree with those who would argue that these events in these proclaimed Christians lives are evidence of hypocrisy. I will not argue their salvation status (something I used to easily turn to when these issues got murky). But what I will say is this: hypocrisy is part of what it means to be a Christian. We fall short, grace covers us. Our actions and our lives will never be greater than the grace that we have been given. I would love to embolden those who say that they share my Christianity to hold tightly to the cross by first admitting wrong. Perhaps they aren't in a place right now where they can freely admit that they are in sin, but this does not change the status and quality of the love that God has for them. If anything, they are in a place to fall more deeply into the grace of God if only they will be bold enough to admit, let go and let themselves fall into Him. We owe others, God and ourselves the truth. We are sinners. We are hypocrites. We are unable to live as God would have us live. We need Jesus.
**This is not a post to condone sin, but to encourage us to live by grace
Why are the masses calling for their crucifixion? Hypocrisy.
Jon & Kate are making front covers with allegations that their marriage is on the rocks. The couple who parent eight children on a television show on TLC, have Scripture around their house, in their lessons and in their tell-all books. They make regular appearances at mega-churches to speak on parenting. And they had a re-marriage ceremony to show their kids that Mommy and Daddy wanted to make a commitment in front of them to prove that real love is based on commitment. But rumor has it that Dad is having an affair with a 23-year old teacher and Mom is having an affair with her bodyguard who accompanies her on her book tours. Not only that, but they are staying in the marriage (with affairs allowed on the side) not for the kids, but for the money that the tv show brings in.
Meanwhile, Mel Gibson decided to divorce his wife of many years and stepped out quickly with a new girlfriend. The tabloids now claim that what encouraged his wife to file for divorce was that the new woman was three months pregnant with his child! Gasp! All this from they guy who gave us The Passion of the Christ. It was only a few years ago that Evangelicals were eating up all of the hype about the film and putting Gibson at iconic status.
And then there is the other friend of my blog, Carrie Prejean. She made controversial remarks at a beauty pageant and became the poster child for the Evangelical stance on marriage. Ironically, within a week or so of recieving a standing ovation at the Christian Dove Awards, photos of her as a 17-year old posing topless in see-through lacy pink underwear surfaced the web. She didn't deny the photos and say that they were not in the taste of "Christian values" but argued that such photos come with the modeling gig.
Now I'm not here to judge their character. I will also say that I will agree with those who would argue that these events in these proclaimed Christians lives are evidence of hypocrisy. I will not argue their salvation status (something I used to easily turn to when these issues got murky). But what I will say is this: hypocrisy is part of what it means to be a Christian. We fall short, grace covers us. Our actions and our lives will never be greater than the grace that we have been given. I would love to embolden those who say that they share my Christianity to hold tightly to the cross by first admitting wrong. Perhaps they aren't in a place right now where they can freely admit that they are in sin, but this does not change the status and quality of the love that God has for them. If anything, they are in a place to fall more deeply into the grace of God if only they will be bold enough to admit, let go and let themselves fall into Him. We owe others, God and ourselves the truth. We are sinners. We are hypocrites. We are unable to live as God would have us live. We need Jesus.
**This is not a post to condone sin, but to encourage us to live by grace
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Anatomy of Grey's
I used to hate Grey's Anatomy. Seriously. Over-dramatic and unrealistic plot lines, in-your-face sexuality, obscure characters, and a cheapened portrayal of the medical world. I watched one episode and swore to never watch it again for reasons of morality and self-righteousness.
But then in the work world, I realized that Friday conversations were dominated by what happened on the show the night before. So for the sake of community, I began to watch the show that I dreaded years before. And perhaps it was due to my own coming to grips with the beauty of brokenness that I became not only a habitual watcher of Grey's, but I have to identify greatly with the characters.
As a character-driven drama, Grey's forces us to take a good look at humanity. Somehow admist the incredulousness (and ridiculousness) of the show, deep truths are revealed. Izzie's speech on how "belief makes things real," Meredith's affirmation of brokenness and woundedness, Derek's ability to love Meredith for who she is by saying "Meredith, I want your crappy babies." There are so many quotables from the show that reveal the depth of our deep brokenness and our need for healing. Ever noticed that so much of the show's soundtrack is actually made up of Christian artists who comment so beautifully on brokenness (Derek Webb, Mat Kearney, The Fray). This particular show is also one of the most culturally diverse which reminds me to not white-wash the Kingdom.
It has been such a joy to find God in the scenes of Grey's. I'm so thankful that the show has been redemptive for me. No longer does television mean morality and perfection, but this show brings me my humanity and helps to strip me of my self-righteousness. Like the little kid at the communion table today grabbing for his hunk of bread, we're all needy and broken and that is a central part of our identity--broken and needy before God.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Bad News
Speaking truth usually makes me feel free. But today the truth that sets me free could either put others on the track to freedom or could put them in a life-threatening, soul-threatening bind.
In a group of needy people, all of us in need of one another in our own brokenness and for our own growth, I said what for me brings life. "What if our lives shouldn't be lived according to rules?" Granted, I had been reading Romans approximately an hour before and was thinking in my head that we as Christians do not live by the law. Christ fulfilled the law so that we might be free. But what does that mean for those who may not know Christ?
They will be stuck with the bad news. We are law-breakers. No one wants to admit that and as a control freak I know that I can only admit that because the Bible tells me so. The cross proves that being a law-breaker is serious business.
For me, the bad news is bearable because I know that Christ has made gospel out of the terrible news. I am a lawbreaker. I am not perfect. I am broken. I am a sinner. How can one bear that burden of knowledge if they do not have a safe place to put their sin and sinful identity? Without being told the good news of Jesus one is left with the option of despair or throwing their hands up and saying well I can't stop sinning so I'll just do whatever I want.
Do you leave someone with the bad, but all too true news that we are sinners? Do we tell them that they can't live by rules--that it is unhealthy and that we weren't meant to live that way? Or do we leave them with the relatively blissful ignorance that they are in control and can have control?
Unfortunately, it seems that ultimately the "bad news" will get worse. As my professor says, one day Job will come. Our world of easy living and following simplistic rules will be challenged. Perhaps it is best to carve out a place for grace so that the bad news does not have to do all the plowing. Sometimes it is better to live with the truth, the horrible truth, before we can get to the hope of saving truth.
In a group of needy people, all of us in need of one another in our own brokenness and for our own growth, I said what for me brings life. "What if our lives shouldn't be lived according to rules?" Granted, I had been reading Romans approximately an hour before and was thinking in my head that we as Christians do not live by the law. Christ fulfilled the law so that we might be free. But what does that mean for those who may not know Christ?
They will be stuck with the bad news. We are law-breakers. No one wants to admit that and as a control freak I know that I can only admit that because the Bible tells me so. The cross proves that being a law-breaker is serious business.
For me, the bad news is bearable because I know that Christ has made gospel out of the terrible news. I am a lawbreaker. I am not perfect. I am broken. I am a sinner. How can one bear that burden of knowledge if they do not have a safe place to put their sin and sinful identity? Without being told the good news of Jesus one is left with the option of despair or throwing their hands up and saying well I can't stop sinning so I'll just do whatever I want.
Do you leave someone with the bad, but all too true news that we are sinners? Do we tell them that they can't live by rules--that it is unhealthy and that we weren't meant to live that way? Or do we leave them with the relatively blissful ignorance that they are in control and can have control?
Unfortunately, it seems that ultimately the "bad news" will get worse. As my professor says, one day Job will come. Our world of easy living and following simplistic rules will be challenged. Perhaps it is best to carve out a place for grace so that the bad news does not have to do all the plowing. Sometimes it is better to live with the truth, the horrible truth, before we can get to the hope of saving truth.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Trials
As I was sharing my trials with a few friends at the Div School, joking about the craziness of life, another student whizzed past me saying "if you keep thinking that way, bad stuff will keep happening to you." I probably wasn't so nice in my response as I said something like "Jesus never promised us a nice life free of trials, but we're promised that He's enough." I meant every word I said, though it was a little argumentative and catty.
Yesterday I was watching a tear-jerking episode of Oprah about pre-teens and teens committing suicide because of the weight of bullying. (I know, it's Oprah, but this issue hits home for me as someone who has been bullied at times and as a former school teacher who loves children). They had an intervention session with a young boy who has at the crux of not being able to take the bullying anymore. At first I was very thankful that they offered this child some tools for dealing with the bullies. All of the other cases showed kids at first coming to adults asking for help and when that help wasn't enough then their depression led to suicide. They heard the cries of this kid who was desperately reaching out for help and they gave him tools...yay!
BUT, the Psychologist proceeded to tell him that he allowed the bullying and that he was making himself a victim. He needed to have a mind change to change his situation. I was flabbergasted! And so was the Sociologist on hand who has researched sexuality-based bullying for about 15 years.
This mind over matter stuff when it comes to trials is very dangerous. I think it is counterproductive to the Gospel of Christ. First, it almost screams gnosticism to me--where we focus on spiritual realities and ignore the physical. It also falls in line with the whole "The Secret" stuff which (hello!) is modern-day gnosticism if I've ever seen it!
Secondly, not only does it present a historic heresy that the Church has fought against, but many of these psychologies and theologies have their basis in the occult. The idea that if only I say these little words (like a spell) then all will be well. Look online for more on the background of these movements (the Secret, the power of positive thinking, and the health and wealth, name it and claim it theologies). I will reference my OT TA soon to be Dr. Eggleston who pointed out that the prophet Jeremiah had to fight against the false prophets who promised "a good word" vs. God's word.
As I've been dealing with my own trials, I've spent some time in James, 1 Peter and Psalms lately. Our trials are not caused by God, but allowed by God for our refinement. This is part of the reason why we rejoice in our trials--because God is drawing us close and pruning us. If we aren't voicing our trials before God then David and Jesus were both bumbling idiots. But I think there is a much deeper reality in rejoicing in our trials. Trials should lead us to Jesus. If God does not cause our trials, then where is He? What does He feel like? Does He care?
The answer is (duh!) of course he cares! How can a child of God be in pain and the God who knows every hair on our head and the one who encourages good gifts to children not be concerned about our welfare? When I find myself in these places, I remember that God likes to hold me, rock me, sing over me like a child who is being tormented. God is the ultimate mother hen--and yeah, Scripture says that. God does not like it when the Devil is scheming, but He also allows it because He sent His Son to die for me. That is how serious God takes sin and brokenness. Last night I had this mental image of God spread out over me to protect me as when something is attacking your child or your pet. You cry and comfort the fallen and you seeth at the oppressor. But instead of saying don't worry, I'll never let that happen to you again, I hear the sweet voice of God saying--don't worry, this is why I sent my Son. He's done it all. This too will be made right. He has already won through the cross and resurrection back in 33 AD and through Him I've claimed you and you'll see Him rise in final victory. You'll celebrate at the victory table which will also be a marriage banquent.
If our trials don't put us at the feet of the Cross where we find love, justice and mercy, then we need to wonder about whose feet we are prostrating ourselves before.
Yesterday I was watching a tear-jerking episode of Oprah about pre-teens and teens committing suicide because of the weight of bullying. (I know, it's Oprah, but this issue hits home for me as someone who has been bullied at times and as a former school teacher who loves children). They had an intervention session with a young boy who has at the crux of not being able to take the bullying anymore. At first I was very thankful that they offered this child some tools for dealing with the bullies. All of the other cases showed kids at first coming to adults asking for help and when that help wasn't enough then their depression led to suicide. They heard the cries of this kid who was desperately reaching out for help and they gave him tools...yay!
BUT, the Psychologist proceeded to tell him that he allowed the bullying and that he was making himself a victim. He needed to have a mind change to change his situation. I was flabbergasted! And so was the Sociologist on hand who has researched sexuality-based bullying for about 15 years.
This mind over matter stuff when it comes to trials is very dangerous. I think it is counterproductive to the Gospel of Christ. First, it almost screams gnosticism to me--where we focus on spiritual realities and ignore the physical. It also falls in line with the whole "The Secret" stuff which (hello!) is modern-day gnosticism if I've ever seen it!
Secondly, not only does it present a historic heresy that the Church has fought against, but many of these psychologies and theologies have their basis in the occult. The idea that if only I say these little words (like a spell) then all will be well. Look online for more on the background of these movements (the Secret, the power of positive thinking, and the health and wealth, name it and claim it theologies). I will reference my OT TA soon to be Dr. Eggleston who pointed out that the prophet Jeremiah had to fight against the false prophets who promised "a good word" vs. God's word.
As I've been dealing with my own trials, I've spent some time in James, 1 Peter and Psalms lately. Our trials are not caused by God, but allowed by God for our refinement. This is part of the reason why we rejoice in our trials--because God is drawing us close and pruning us. If we aren't voicing our trials before God then David and Jesus were both bumbling idiots. But I think there is a much deeper reality in rejoicing in our trials. Trials should lead us to Jesus. If God does not cause our trials, then where is He? What does He feel like? Does He care?
The answer is (duh!) of course he cares! How can a child of God be in pain and the God who knows every hair on our head and the one who encourages good gifts to children not be concerned about our welfare? When I find myself in these places, I remember that God likes to hold me, rock me, sing over me like a child who is being tormented. God is the ultimate mother hen--and yeah, Scripture says that. God does not like it when the Devil is scheming, but He also allows it because He sent His Son to die for me. That is how serious God takes sin and brokenness. Last night I had this mental image of God spread out over me to protect me as when something is attacking your child or your pet. You cry and comfort the fallen and you seeth at the oppressor. But instead of saying don't worry, I'll never let that happen to you again, I hear the sweet voice of God saying--don't worry, this is why I sent my Son. He's done it all. This too will be made right. He has already won through the cross and resurrection back in 33 AD and through Him I've claimed you and you'll see Him rise in final victory. You'll celebrate at the victory table which will also be a marriage banquent.
If our trials don't put us at the feet of the Cross where we find love, justice and mercy, then we need to wonder about whose feet we are prostrating ourselves before.
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