faith – just a kansas boy

Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.
– Watchman Nee (Ni Tuosheng)

Having grown up in the church, I’ve been familiar most of my life with the concept of “resting in God.” One of my favorite passages is Psalm 46, which includes the words “Be still, and know that I am God.” Recently, however, I’ve been struck by just how many Christians (including myself) live lives that really don’t look much different than anyone else. In this case, I’m not referring to the things we normally suspect (such as entertainment choices), but rather the very essence of our lives. Few of us have the kind of joy, peace, and assurance experienced by some of the Biblical saints or very rare people you might know personally.

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Pain has its own noble joy, when it starts a strong consciousness of life, from a stagnant one.
John Sterling

Several months ago I began reading a great deal of C.S. Lewis. I had become fascinated with his unique way of putting old ideas in “new clothes,” to make you take a second look at things that you thought you already knew. About a month ago, I read his book The Problem of Pain, in which he attempts to answer the philosophical issues that arise when we live in a world full of pain, yet claim to believe in a loving, good, and all-powerful God. Honestly, I can’t say that I understand philosophy well enough to know if he makes a very compelling case or not. I’m certainly not going to try and tell you, dear reader, that I have it figured out.

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Tag: faith

Resting

Wayfaring Stranger

Hope in Pain