KS has taken a break from activities for a while, because it is that time of the year again. We hope you have spent your time wisely and fruitfully in studying for your exams, but at the same time not neglecting your relationship with God. That is of paramount importance, and also a matter which cannot be left for a later time to manage, no matter our circumstances. Sickness or health, poverty or wealth, exams or holidays, we should yearn to walk close to God. This is a truth-laden principle I have learnt, but as yet am still trying to practice myself.
On 7 and 14 May, by God's grace, a bunch of us gathered in church to spend the day in preparation for our upcoming examinations. We thank God for the productive time of studying and fellowship we enjoyed there. However, at the same time, we could feel the tensions that our studies brought on.
Stress, and a whole host of other negative emotions, assail us when something dear to us is threatened, hurt, damaged or removed from us. I think we can identify with this. Our grades, I trust, are things which we hold to be important in this world. So it is indeed very natural to feel stressed, anxious or worried when we encounter difficulties in our studies. However, these negative emotions are detrimental to our health when taken in large portions; health meaning physical, mental, emotional and most importantly, spiritual health. (these are the categories of " health" people most commonly name, save the last one. I am not quite sure they should be partitioned as such myself.)
When we find ourselves drowning in a swelling tide of woes, could it be because we have placed too much priority on the wrong things? I learnt that lesson last year, yet am still trying to fully apply it in a practical manner. We know what Mathew 6:33 says all too well by now. It is living out this command that is critical, yet impossible. Impossible, except by God's all-sufficient grace. An endless flood of cares, treasures and vanities cry out for our attention and consume our thoughts and energies while we are in this world. During this season, (and also many other seasons yet to come) it is studies. Other times, diverse trials and temptations will meet us along the way. The one way to safeguard our spiritual health, our relationship with God, is to trust in Him fully, in His goodness, in His care, in His wisdom, in His faithfulness, and also in His word. A verse that I find particularly comforting to me in time of trial is 1 Corinthians 10:13. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." This verse speaks of God's unchanging faithfulness and providential care. For every tribulation He brings upon us, He will provide a way out, a light at the end of the dark tunnel, and we must patiently bear this testing, trusting in Him, knowing that He is not putting us through raging flames which utterly consume us, but a refiner's fire, one that purges impurities from us and makes us bear forth good fruit. When we put the things of God first, look to Him for forgiveness, commune with Him in daily devotion and prayer, abide by His commandments, He will give us all we need. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Finally, something I learnt from the Introductory Biblical Counseling Course conducted by Dr. Samuel Ling: Think good, spiritual thoughts to displace the thoughts of worry, stress, fear, etc. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8 I am currently trying to follow this advice as well.
May God help us, and cause us to draw closer to Him. We thank Him for bringing most of us through this period of examinations, while for the remaining few of us who still have part or whole of the battle yet to fight, let us trust God more and more. As KS resumes activities this coming Saturday, let us encourage and spur each other on, that each of us may run our race with patience, and fight the good fight of faith.
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
Refrain
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
Refrain
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
Refrain
Written by Annie J. Flint
2 comments:
hey why was the post deleted?
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