Are We There Yet?

I always enjoy the columns that Andree Seu writes for World Magazine. In this article, “Mind Tricks” , Andree reminds us of the need and benefit of exposure to the Scriptures as the only source of what to believe and how to live. She draws insight from C.S. Lewis’ A Grief Observed. Good stuff. Here is an excerpt:

When I drift away from close daily intimacy with [God] in his Word, I begin, ever so subtly, to reconstruct him in my own image. This process begins to happen some time before I realize it, of course, when I am still convinced that I know exactly who God is. It’s only when I come back to the Bible that I realize how dangerously close I had come to constructing an idol — a god made to look and sound like the desires and opinions of Andree Seu.

Run John run, the law demands
But gives me neither feet nor hands.
A better song the Gospel sings,
It bids me fly, and gives me wings.

–John Bunyan (author of Pilgrim’s Progress)

Psalm 112:1-7

1 Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
until he looks in triumph on his adversaries. (ESV)

I read this Psalm this morning. It brought back memories of a song by James Ward entitled “No Bad News” based on this Psalm (Ward wrote that in the mid 80’s I believe). That tune will be running through my head all day, I’m sure.

Do you fear bad news? I do. Especially with a new driver in the house. Whenever our 16 year old takes the car out I wrestle as parents have for generations with the fear of a car accident. Not that he’s a bad or reckless driver- it’s just a dangerous world. What phone calls or news do you dread hearing or receiving? “The test came back and it IS cancer.” “We’re sorry, but we can no longer afford your position.” “Your son is struggling in school and we’re at a loss to help him.”

Read the rest of this entry »