Theology of Trouble

Something I've been churning in my head lately is this: when times are good, it's easy to think that things will always be good. We get comfortable. We start feeling entitled to the good times. We feel secure in the easiness and we grow accustomed to it.

But the good times get replaced with troubled times. When this happens, what is our reaction? Do we kick and scream and shake our fist at God? Do we wonder what we did wrong to deserve the trouble? Do we see the hard times as a chance to die to ourselves and become more like Jesus?

What is your theology of trouble? Have you prepared ahead of time what your reaction will be when you begin to experience it? Psalm 27:5 says: "For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon the rock." David had already prepared his response to when trouble comes - he will turn to God in trust, in hope, in belief that God will take of him.

As Christians, our theology needs to be proactive, prepared ahead of time, not reactionary. We must think ahead of time what our reaction to trouble will be, what God will expect from us, and what God has promised us. Then when the trouble comes, we need to hold onto our theology, which has been prepared head of time. Good theology will take us through the trouble - it will enable us to trust God and it will bring about joy and praise in the midst of the hard times.

Just Do Something

I highly recommend this book: Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung.

The book's premise is that instead of asking God for His specific will in whether or not you should be a doctor or lawyer or janitor or mechanic or pastor or and the list goes on, you should ask God how you can be His follower, do His work, become more holy, more like Christ in the context of your vocation, whatever it may be that you choose to do.

DeYoung goes on to say in the book (paraphrasing): God is not this "sneaky God" who has a specific will for you, but won't let you find it out and likes to watch you agonize over finding out what His will is. Instead, He is a God who cares immensely for you, provides abundantly for you, and is waiting for you to Just Do Something in His Kingdom. There's lots of work to be done - so get on with it!

With Everything by Hillsong

Open our hearts,
To see the things
That make Your heart cry,
To be the church
The You would desire.
Light to be seen.

Break down our pride,
And all the walls
We've built up inside,
Our earthly crowns
And all our desires,
We lay at Your feet.

So let hope rise,
And darkness tremble
In Your holy light,
And every eye will see
Jesus, our God,
Great and mighty to be praised.

God of all days,
Glorious in all of Your ways.
Your majesty, the wonder and grace,
In the light of Your name.

With everything,
With everything,
We will shout for your glory.

With everything,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.

Our hearts will cry
Be glorified,
Be lifted high,
Above all names.
For You our King,
With everything,
We will shout forth your praise.

Maui Highlights

an introduction to snorkeling - loved it!
swimming with a turtle
tomato and goat cheese salad
mai tai drinks
horseback riding to the backside of Iao Valley
driving the Road to Hana
sunrise at the Kalahaku Overlook
fresh fish - ono and mahimahi
hiking through the bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls
fresh pineapple, papaya, apple bananas, mountain apples
mac and cheese at Ma La's
walking the beach-side path at Wailea
beautiful sunsets and high-70 degree weather
new friends at the Maui Dive Shop
coming back from Hana on the Kula Highway

Maui