The Mind of Brian

Beth and I are reading through the Psalms right now.  In the Psalms, you run across all sorts of outcries from the Psalmist about deliverance from injustices of life.  I used to have a lot of issues with these cries, they seem so harsh and mean and, at times, self-righteous.  However, I have realized that it is not wrong to ask for deliverance.  The question is, “Why do I want to be delivered?”  Is it an issue of a lack of comfort or not treating the character of God rightly?  I should cry out when the character of God is being abused and things are not bringing out His glory.  However, usually I end up crying out about the thing that cause me discomfort.  So, now when I get mad at things….the question is, “Is this about my comfort or God’s character?”

Keith asked me on Sunday when I was going to start blogging.  While I might not listen to EVERYTHING that Keith says (love you man!), he reminded me of the truth that he has discovered, blogging is good for his soul.  Blogging is also good for my soul.  I am in a time of much reflection on myself, from my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) evaluation to my staff evaluation to my constant reminder of my selfishness and sinfulness by how I do not love my wife enough (you want to know your sin….get married!) and my transition out of student ministries back to school.  I have learned a lot about myself.  It is not introspective navel-gazing, but a better understanding of myself so I can know how I minister as well as know more about God (remember Calvin–knowledge about God and self tie together).

PS–I read Tim Keller’s The Reason for God and it was amazing!