The Theology of Freedom

I know that the LORD is great,

that our Lord is greater than all gods.
The LORD does whatever pleases him,

in the heavens and on the earth,

in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 135:5-6

Dave had dinner with a co-worker last night who asked him to pray with him. He and his wife have some big changes in their life, fears, anticipation, worry, and hope.

All afternoon my mind whirred with thoughts and prayers. It can be tough praying with and for someone when you're not sure of their view of God and His holy will. I wonder how his response and reaction will be as events unfold. What if there is more disappointment and pain ahead? I worried for my husband that he would have the right words.

In college, Dave and I attended a Baptist church with a RTS student for a college minister. He first taught us about reformed theology and suddenly the bits and pieces clearly fell into a rich, unfolding story. I was an easy convert. Others wrestled with and even scorned these concepts, responding with a hyper-Calvinist objection, "Why don't you just stay in your room and never pray or witness to anyone ever again!" Those were interesting days in that church!

But I am freed from worry and works and pressures by understanding that God does what pleases Him. Disappointments and tragedies, by no means less painful or sad, are easier to meet when I know that my God "sit[s] enthroned forever." My anxiety for Dave was relieved when I reminded myself of this again and my prayers changed too. His words were not responsible for changing this person, but oh, our joy that God wants us to pray with and for and to each other.

My other thought that afternoon was my pride for my husband. There are only two other Christians in his company (and one's a bit out there!). Being in the secular workplace is difficult and the temptation to play the game is great. I was proud that his light is shining like an "office" on a hill.