ideas and moments

Today, I would really like to blog about the Bible verses that have inspired me this week.

Job 8: 8 - 9
"Look for the moment at ancient wisdom; consider the truths our fathers learnt. Our life is short, we know nothing at all; we pass like shadows across the earth..."

This passage, in particular the ending, "we pass like shadows across the earth," really had a profound effect on me when I was reading it this morning. I stumbled across the book of Job by accident, when I was looking for something else, but this phrase simply floored me. I don't really understand the book of Job very much, I understand it on a basic level. This part of Job is a response by his friend Bildad, and it really made me consider my own place here. Sometimes I feel like I know it all, only to be brought to my knees by the idea that I don't. We feel we have everything in control, and that everything is working out fine, but as the passage continues in 13 - 15, "Godless men are like those reeds; their hope is gone, once God is forgotten. They trust a thread - a spider's web. If they lean on a web, will it hold them up?" It won't hold them up. People of all religions seem to agree on the main idea that materialism will not help you. Whether you're Islamic, Buddhist, Wiccan etc. the core of religions transcend the everyday. I personally have a very broad view of 'materialism.' I struggle with this, because I seem to put almost everything under this banner. It's a continual learning experience, to scale back and look at all that is important in this world, in your life. What makes you more than a shadow on the earth?

Psalms 91: 2 - 4
'"You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust." He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you."

Psalm 91, has for a while been one of my favourites, and I keep coming back to it because it has a profound affect on me when I feel scared or alone. It lifts up my spirit and helps me feel grounded, I recommend to anyone to read (or sing!) the whole thing when they feel this way. I need to learn that some things I can't control by myself. And people can't be there for me 24/7...it's simply impossible. Whilst anyone's walk with God is always a struggle, there are moments when you feel you can't do it anymore, you should just pray and be calm. Like that cliched, walking in the sand story...Sometimes our problems cannot be fixed when we are heavy of heart, or not totally control, or we're hurting ourselves. This Psalm reminds me to lift it up to God, to trust in Him.

Ephesians 4: 15 - 16
" Instead, by speaking the truh in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love."

This passage has such beautiful imagery. The whole concept of being wholly encapsulated by love, living love, being a vessel of love, giving and recieving love etc. is I think a really beautiful concept. This passage motivates me to try and live more openly, more lovingly and more prayerfully. To take care of myself, and of everything around me, with the same respect. This is reminiscent of Jesus' Golden Rule, to love one another as I have loved you. Open you eyes, your arms, your hearts to love. Don't be afraid of something so pure.