God Is
Over the past ten months I’ve made my way through the Old Testament (OT).
I followed Tara Leigh-Cobble’s The Bible Recap plan which is designed to guide readers through the Bible in chronological order.
It was an interesting way to read scripture that quite honestly, kept me captivated and engaged the entire way through the 39 OT books of the Bible.
Going into this, I knew I wanted to really look for God and what he was up to in the stories told, but what I didn’t expect was just how clearly he would make himself known to me in my daily life and context.
If you’ve been around Christian community for any length of time you may have heard things like, “The Bible isn’t about you, it’s about God.” And while that is true, it’s almost impossible to read any passage of scripture and not look for something, anything that might help us in our current struggles and situations.
And after reading the OT, from Genesis to Malachi, I can understand how looking to a specific passage of scripture and trying to get something out of it that’s relevant to my life in the moment, might not be the best approach. However, after reading the OT as a whole, I can confidently say that God spoke directly to me and my struggles and situations in the middle of reading about him.
Let me explain.
I was encouraged throughout that because God is, fill in the blank any characteristic of God as revealed in his word, therefore, I fill in the blank of anything I need.
For example: God is Sovereign, therefore I can rest in his plan.
God is the author of life, therefore, I can have peace no matter what is happening around me or in the world because he’s the one doing the writing.
God is a Good Shepherd, therefore I can be confident I have all that I need in him (a place, his presence, protection and peace).
God is faithful even when we are not. Therefore I have hope and assurance in his word. What he says is good and true every. single. time.
These are just a few of the ways God spoke directly to me in my little life in central FL through the OT books about him.
In fact, which each book read, I jotted down just one characteristic of God I saw as a theme throughout the book.
Here’s my list. There are some repeats but those serve as even more evidence of who he is.
Yep, I know my penmanship flew the coup and my writing is terrible. I have other gifts. :)
My poor handwriting aside, look at this list! Because God is all of these and so much more, you and I have all we need in him.
Where do you feel like you’ve messed up too much? God is merciful and gracious beyond what you need.
Where do you feel so chaotic and out of control in life? God is an orderly God who created us to be orderly personally and in community with those around us. He can help.
What needs do you have? God is generous and willingly gives what’s not only needed, but above and beyond our needs.
Do you wonder if God hears you or cares about the details of your life? He is attentive to every detail and nothing goes unnoticed on his watch.
Need wisdom? He is the source of all wisdom and understanding.
Are you anxious about a situation in your life or world events? God is in control of all things. He is King.
He is so much more than my short list of one characteristic per OT book. Yes, the Bible is about God and yes, knowing him and who he is through his word, speaks directly to you and I in all situations we are in today. He’s really good and so kind to reveal himself to us so that we might know him because knowing him changes everything.
What’s it been for you? Knowing which characteristic of God, has helped you in your life? Send me an email at carrieellen@carrieellen.live and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
Onto the New Testament…
Grateful,
Carrie Ellen
Refuge
It’s summer time in the Sunshine State of Florida and ironically, this means rain and lots of it.
Earlier this week, the J Men and I walked into Target in moderate rainfall. And by the time we walked out of Target, the rain was so heavy, it was as if an ocean in the sky burst, creating a cascading waterfall from above. By the time we made it back to the car, we looked as if we had jumped in the pool. We were drenched from head to toe.
For my adventurous J Men, the rain has become an invitation to gather wood scraps from our past DIY builds and projects and build for themselves a shelter from the rain. They love to huddle together in their handmade wooden shelter with a blue tarp cover, with snacks and a flashlight while the rain falls all around and on top of them.
These boys have taught me so much about God and his everlasting kindness and care and their shelter from the rain is no exception.
Their refuge from the crazy hard Florida rain, equipped with flashlights and snacks, is such a reminded of the refuge God is for his people throughout all seasons and storms of life.
The Bible tells us that the Lord is our refuge.
It’s far too easy to read that truth in scripture, check the box of our daily Bible reading and move on to other things quickly and without slowing to reflect on and consider what the Lord is my refuge actually means for us throughout our busy days.
David said it this way, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) What an incredible gift extended to us daily.
When I consider the Lord my refuge, I picture the J Men under their blue tarp with light and snacks. I am reminded that the Lord is our protection on all sides, he’s present with us in all things and he’s our light and our provider.
The struggles and metaphorical storms we come head on with regularly are no match for the Lord. He is the author of all and literally holds the world in his hands. He is above and before all things. And because he is in control and sovereign over all things, he can be trusted. He was David’s refuge thousands of years ago and he is our refuge today.
Where do you need him to be your refuge today? Where do you need his protection, provision and presence? Talk his ear off about all of it. Give him the weight you’re carrying today. Afterall, he already has it handled for his glory and your good. He cares deeply for you.
Friend, I’ll leave you with my favorite prayer in all of scripture. “Lord, we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) May it be so with us all today and forevermore.