The past 9 weeks of studying the Old Testament
has transformed my relationship with and understanding of the Lord. From the
beginning of creation in Genesis to the time of the Minor Prophets ending with
Malachi, God’s character has proven consistent and fully good. Going into the
school, I had read through much of the OT but just skimmed over the hard
passages that I had no idea what to do with. I knew in my head that God is good
and that was what I stuck to amidst the anger, killing, wrath and destruction
that seemingly fills the OT. What has been key for my heart to understand
during my studies is God’s heart of goodness and care for his people that roots
his anger and wrath. We all know it and hear about it, the OT is filled with
point blank statements saying that God is angry. The Holy Spirit really moved
in me and shifted my view of it all while studying the prophet Jeremiah. This
is where revelation came when I saw that God always prefers mercy before
judgment, always judges accordingly to each individual, and how God would not
be good if he wasn’t angry with the sins of his children that caused oppression
and neglect of the poor, widow, and the fatherless. God is good and righteous
in his judgments and anger. He is never arbitrary and always desires the best
for his people. God is sovereign as he accomplishes his plans to redeem his
people but works through the free will choices that his people make for
themselves. God chooses to move differently as we pray (Moses’ Intercession for
Israel) and is so personal with his people (Mt. Sinai). God is so good!
What I am most moved by and incredibly grateful for is the heart knowledge and
strengthening of my personal relationship with the Lord. There are so many
things I’ve known since growing up in a Christian household but where the truth
of the word has met me most is in my heart. I know a lot about God but I have
been so blessed to get to know God and his character more deeply, even in my
own story now. With every doubt and attack I started out against God with, my
heart has been strengthened with the truth, goodness, and heart of God the Holy
Spirit has revealed to me in my studies and my quiet times. In every hardship
I’ve faced and relationship that has been left broken, God has met me with
truth and love to bring healing and conviction in those areas of my life.
Although a hard process at times, I can already see the transformation taking
place in my heart and life by the grace of God to bring me to the fullness of
who I am as a young warrior bride so deeply cared for by my great and mighty
King!
