Rest in the Storm

If ever there is a period in my life of monumental changes, it is now. In 5 days I will be graduating from Liberty University School of Law. In 12 days, I will be wed to Kerrie Anne. In the next month, I will have finished my 40-page jurisprudence paper on surrogate mothers, secured a new place to live in Lynchburg, a new bed to sleep on, changed my marital status, changed my living situation from sharing a place with a few guys to sharing a home with one beloved wife, gone to Yosemite on a breathtaking honeymoon, and started studying for the 29 subject Virginia Bar Exam. I will do all these things by the strength of the Lord.

There is nothing like enjoying God-given life in the present. I do suffer moments of brief worry about the future, but over all, God has been good to remind me to trust in His provisions. I could easily let myself become ruled by worry and forget the tasks that the Lord has already set before me. Where will I work? I need money! In my zeal, I want to start earning money right away so that I can be a provider for my family. But the Lord is teaching me patience.

God’s grace supplies all my needs. It is amazing to me how quickly I forget passages like the “Do Not Worry About Tomorrow” passages in Matthew and in Luke. God promises His own that if we seek first His kingdom, everything else will be added to us. My prayer has been that God’s kingdom would be glorified in my life. I want to build God’s kingdom, not my own. People often ask me if I am stressed. Nope, I am not. The reason why I can handle stress is because in this world of unknowns, I am known by the one who spoke galaxies into existence. Christ died for me, that I may live a life of faith.

It is amazing to me how much of the Christian life is one of proper perspective and vision. Faith would have me jumping up and down at the goodness of God. He is so good! Luke 12:32 says it well: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Because Christ died for me, I know that the trials of life will not flip my boat over. With Christ, I can weather any storm. I remember John MacArthur mentioning in one of his sermons that he never has trouble sleeping because of worry. This is the life I want to live!

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities. – Psalm 130:5-8

So now, after this brief reminder to myself about finding rest in Christ, I am ready again to tackle that 40-page paper that God has set before me. I bid thee well, that you too will find rest in the storm.