Too much of a good thing . . .
4 Comments September 22, 2009 / Posted in FamilyWhen it rains I talk to God, and this is what we talk about.
Mercy.
One of my favorite things about my God is his mercy, which can be simply described as him not giving me what I deserve. God’s mercy is why I talk to God when it rains. In the Bible, Jesus describes his Father in heaven as He who sends the rain on both the just and the unjust. Every time it rains, whether I’m driving, walking, or my favorite, laying in bed and listening, I thank God for his mercy. Because if there’s one thing on this earth I understand, it’s what I deserve – and most times I don’t deserve the rain.
But these last couple of days as God and I have talked about the millions of gallons worth of rain that have been dumped on my new hometown of Atlanta he’s reminded me of how grateful I should be of his other attributes besides mercy. As I have observed the ruins left by unchecked rain that literally washed away cars, roads, homes, and even people, I have been reminded that God’s mercy left unbalanced by his truth, justice, and even wrath would result in a universe of chaos and ruin. A complete lack of consequences for man’s natural propensity towards evil would bring about a reality none of us could survive.
My gratefulness for his mercy is sobered by my gratefulness for his truth and judgment, and from here on out when God and I talk about the rain, I will remember the flood of Atlanta 09, and will thank him that he alone is the one responsible to hold the perfect balance between mercy and judgment.
So let’s remember to thank God for the rain – and the next time we experience the consequences of our own poor decisions – let’s make sure to tell him thanks for not giving us too much of a good thing.
God is Good and I am grateful.
Josh
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Matt. 5:16
Josh, flat-out, I’m a fan of yours. The way you speak (and write) is indicative of the inner man, and to Whom you belong. Thanks for not hiding (him) with silent lips. You’ve been gifted with the ability to express clearly. Thank you for working on yourself, for being such a THINKER. Everything in moderation, eh, since I also know you’ve got a huge heart for pranks of glee! You probably play just as hard as you work. Thanks for sharing your personal growth process. One can tell that you desire understanding and wisdom. First, the student, and then the discipler, apt to teach. You are a beautiful conduit. The Mama in me admires you (younger folks), but the Sister in me knows Who to give the credit to! Meanwhile, I hope my applauding doesn’t embarass you, Josh. God IS good! Endless thanksgiving…
Grace – you live up to your name with your precious gift of encouragement. No doubt I don’t deserve your praise, let me deflect to my God – it’s all his already. You know me well – perhaps my passion for pranks has done me more harm than good, but life wasn’t meant to be lived serious all the time right. Would love to see a video of your last painting if you have one – send me a youtube link if you don’t mind. Say hi to the fam, and someday I will write/teach that Marvel series – still think it is an incredible idea! God bless . . .
Great reminder as always. can you do a favor for a friend though? I love it when you purt the link to your blog on facebook for new posts. I want to read but honestly I rarely remember unless I see the link.
sorry – I have not been doing that the last couple of times – feels too much like shameless self promotion – your request is all the excuse I need. We will be in town in a couple of weeks – our fams will have to hang out