For the past 12 weeks I’ve been immersed in some of my final theology courses to finish up my master’s degree, and it has been so good (I wasn’t sure I would ever say that about theology classes, but I can now!). I have been pushed to think deeply about aspects of my faith that I had previously pushed aside or hadn’t even been aware of. I’ve reflected on the incredible depth of what the scriptures say, of who our God is, and of what it means to be His people. There’s a lot there and it has truly been a blessing to sit and wrestle with what I’ve been studying.
At the same time with our youth students this summer, we’ve been focusing on the persons of God, Jesus, and the Spirit, who they are, who we are in relationship to them. As we’ve talked through these big and some times daunting topics in a simpler way, and as I’ve heard our students reflect on them, I’ve been reminded of a few things. The first is that I’ve been reminded of how deep of a love God has for us. We’ve looked at the overarching story of the Bible and redemptive history, and I have been reminded of all the ways that God has pursued us, made a way for us, chosen us continually, even if we do not always choose Him. Along with this, I’ve been reminded of how powerful our God is, of how He showed up in moments that it seemed like hope was lost, of how faithful He is.
While my studies have been so good and have taught me so much, and while they are and will continue to be necessary, there has been a sweetness, a newness that has come from taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, from allowing the truth of the Gospel to wash over me and bring life.
I pray that whether it is in the depth of study and theological discussion, or simply sitting at the feet of Jesus, that He would meet you there and that the Spirit would bring refreshment to your soul.