Sunday, March 16, 2008

Theology Two - Soul Food for the Hungry Heart

"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." Ps. 107:9


Theology - nourishment for all His daughters that hunger and thirst for Him
Theology is a gift from God and His gifts are good for all His children, regardless of tribe or nation or tongue or people. In third-world countries, most women continue after salvation to be bound to the culture due to illiteracy and/or lack of resources, crippled by the superstitions and practices of their dark world. Not until God’s women have a steady diet of His nourishing word will they be set free from the worldly deceptions that bind them, regardless of whether those lies are sophisticated or primitive.

There is a real need for a consistent intake of theology in the lives of women who have broken from the world and are growing spiritually, whether that break was recent or many years in the past. If she is a new believer, a woman will remain bound to her culture unless she has a steady, earnest and comprehensive intake of the word of God. For those who have walked awhile with Christ, the yawn of complacency is always waiting to meander its way into our innermost being.

Each day should reveal more of God’s perfections to us, especially at times when our lives are unchallenged by trials. Psalm. 27:4-5b tells us why this is necessary, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in His pavilion….” Knowing Him now, while the waters of life are calm, will ensure that we will find Him to be our refuge when the winds howl.

Women, like men, can easily loose their sense of spiritual direction in the peak of a stormy trial. During the tumult, when our circumstances may seem to contradict our convictions, i.e. “How can God be good when this is happening to me?” are the times when our theology must really pass muster. When trials challenge our ideas about who God is, our theology must go to work for us like the anchor of a storm-tossed ship. Questions arise in our minds during trials and we begin, like Job, to dialogue ardently with God. If we are not anchored in the Scriptures, we can easily loose ground and be cast adrift on a sea beset with many "winds of doctrine". When we are sound in our theology, when we really know God, those questions will not hinder our faith but rather strengthen it.

In a world where there is no balance, stability will only be found within the pages of Scripture. The solid truths of historic Christianity, the whole counsel of God, the doctrines of the Bible – in short – theology, should be a Christian woman’s intake rather than the sweet, fluffy snippets, served up in dainty little devotional booklets that so often characterize a woman’s spiritual diet, especially in developed countries.

Consequently, in writing this article, it is important for me – rather it is imperative – to be able to not only recite the truths of theology, but also to demonstrate how they can be actualized in my life and in the lives of the women I teach, on any continent. Since God has given that opportunity, I must know how the theology I embrace here at home in my easy chair will prove to be practical also for women who work half the day simply to get a drink of water.

The truths of theology, when taken in as food for the soul, will change a woman’s perspective and way of living. Providing her with a solid foundation, these precious teachings will free any serious Christian woman from her worldly culture, provide balance and equip her for even the most difficult of circumstances. Armed with a real knowledge of God, she will be empowered to produce the fruit of righteousness in any situation or culture. Confidence, peace, joy, love, etc. will result and this fruit will ultimately resound to the glory of God.

Theology is necessary food - real food - for every Christian woman, no matter where she lives, or what her circumstances are. Dear Christian woman, what is your circumstance? Are you bound to destructive habits? It is because your worldly diet has malnourished you. Come to the table beautifully adorned with the sumptuous soul food prepared just for you by your Creator and Redeemer. He feeds the hungry, He heals the lame, He sets prisoners free. He is the very Bread of Life and the Living Water that our souls yearn for.

"Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David." Isa 55:1-3

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1 comment:

  1. How true this statement is: "Knowing Him now, while the waters of life are calm, will ensure that we will find Him to be our refuge when the winds howl." Complacency is such a temptation when things seem to be going smooth and easy. I know I must hunger for the Word during times of ease as much as I do during times of trouble! Thank you for this post.

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