It's a privilege and a great opportunity for me to be able to Blog with 4 older and wiser men then myself. I'm excited to learn from you all in our journey together with Christ! Matty your question about the kind of man that evokes such passion in his wife is a good one for all of us to think about. The one thing that has come to mind about this man is that he must have been a good leader in the relationship. I think in order for a woman to completely give her heart and herself to a man, like the woman in Song of Solomon does, she must be able to see and know that she can trust, rely on, and follow her man. Without this how could she fully and completely give herself to him? I believe the a man by himself could never lead his lover well, but that it is only by the empowerment given us by Christ that we can begin to lead our ladies in a God honoring way. I'm sure this isn't the only thing that caused the woman to have such passion for her man, but i think that it definitely had to be present in order for the passion to be present. Thanks for your question and insights Matty.
Well I dropped Nikki off at camp on Sunday on our way home from the lake in Indiana. We have some big life changes coming our way very soon ( my last semester on PSU campus, MARRIAGE, living in a new place, teaching in schools, finding a new church, etc.) Lately I have had what I call an "anxious stomach" (my stomach feels tight and uncomfortable). I'm not consciously thinking about these upcoming changes too often, but I think somehow subconsciously I am becoming anxious about them, sorry if that's hard to understand. I've been praying through Philippians 4:6-7, and asking God to reveal the source of my anxiousness, while asking Him to forgive me for my anxiousness and for not completely trusting Him. I would love to hear how all of you married guys dealt with these changes in your life and what your experiences where like during this time. Prayer for a heart and mind that would completely trust God with Nikki and my life would be much appreciated also. Thanks guys.
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2 comments:
Dave,
Let me say that I suck at change. I don't like it, I'm easily flustered, and easily full of doubt. I was so frightened before I got married because I didn't have a job lined up. I thought we might get married and I'd have no means to provide. I interviewed at school after school and nothing came of any of it. As wedding time approached, I was increasingly frightened. I prayed over and over and over for a job, for strength, for trust. Some days were better than others.
Now, over a year has past from that time, and here's what went down: I ended up getting a teaching job at a school district because I took a chance and called to see if they had an open position. I got married and the Lord has blessed us with provision. This school pays the least in the county, and my wife doesn't make a lot, but we have more than enough.
I've just been reading the story of Abraham in Genesis. Here's the thing: God told Abram that he would be the father of a great nation when he was 75 years old (chapter 12). God affirms this again in chapter 15. Ten years pass by chapter 16, when Abram and Sarai go to the lengths of using their servant Haggar to get this son that God promised. God comes back in chapter 17 and promises descendents not through Haggar, but through Sarah (names change in 17 as well :)) This is so ridiculous: Abraham is now 99 years old, Sarah is 90! They both laugh at God's promise; but a year later, Isaac is born.
What's the point? Well, Abraham and Sarah did not perfectly trust God. They doubted the possibility of a child together and tried to sneakily start the process of God's promise. At one point Abram also "gave" his wife to the Pharoah. So, you will probably also find that you will not encounter this perfectly. And, you may find that God may not work in your timeframe. HOWEVER, He is good on His promises. "Your heavenly Father knows that you NEED them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (all your needs) will be added to you." (Matthew 6:32-33).
Matthew 6:25-34 was my most leaned upon passage in this time. I was anxious because I feared that I would be lacking in what I needed. I gained comfort knowing that God assures me I will have what I need. And looking back now, it's amazing to see the Lord provide and funny to think that I was even worried. In a few years, you'll think the same.
Since it's all easier said and thought than done and felt, I'll be praying for you.
-Kevin
Oh, and I should also mention that the problem with worrying is that it diverts our attention from God and His kingdom. Assurance in His provision allows us to keep building up the kingdom without the obstacle of something else consuming our passion. Seek His kingdom fervently, knowing that He promised to provide.
-Kevin
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