Psalm 143:10, 11 (ESV)
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!
For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
Saturday, my band and I performed at a concert in Washington, MO. Afterward, I drove my friend and fellow band-member, Kaleb, back to his home in New Haven. During our ride, and about half an hour after reaching our destination, we discussed how our theology affects our spiritual behavior during a time of emotional and physical drought.
We concluded two great comforts during discomforting phases in our lives: the sovereignty of God and the glory of God. When we dwell upon the sovereignty of God we recognize his control and plan during circumstances in our lives. God’s plan supremely rests upon his righteousness and justice. His purposes are higher than our purposes. He controls our live’s path.
Secondly, fixing our eyes on God’s glory gives us a glimpse of his higher purpose. Ultimately, God allows circumstances to occur in order to glorify his own name…even pain and death. Our relational Lord is familiar with suffering, as his Son gruesomely died at the hands of men. Why? Because God chose to glorify himself through Jesus’ death (John 12:29-43; Philippians 2:1-11). He wills for his own glory.
This mindset assures believers of a higher purpose for their suffering. We are sinners deserving of death, saved only by God’s declaration of righteousness (justification) through Jesus Christ. So, what we experience is actually his grace and mercy. Moreover, nothing we do or have done can change God’s plan to glorify himself. What are blessing! We get to serve for his purposes. God knew his plan before the dawn of creation, and he is fulfilling it according to his good measure.
Take heart! We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. He is the guarentee of our future inheritance, “to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:3-11).
It is thoughts like this that convince me that God is alive and well within your heart. You are indeed growing!
It is thoughts like this and discussions with others that provide words and thoughts to profound music which is communicated from the mouth as a reflection of what’s in the heart.
I believe every good Christian song began with a significant thought of God and life from the heart. A real artist can take that and transform it into music that touches the souls of people…….all for God’s glory.
Outstanding to both you and Kaleb.