Lord, my heart is meek before you. I don’t consider myself better than others. I’m content to not pursue matters that are over my head— such as your complex mysteries and wonders— that I’m not yet ready to understand. I am humbled and quieted in your presence. Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap, I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you.

O people of God, your time has come to quietly trust, waiting upon the Lord now and forever.

Psalms‬ ‭131‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭TPT

I am back to working on my novel and came up with an idea for a new beginning. My main character will start with The Seven Rites of Passage, taking place over three days – Three Days of Ascent. I turned to the Psalms—looking specifically at the songs of ascent for inspiration—and came up with the one above to inspire each day.

The first verse about humility was curious to me. I’ve never considered having the attitude this passage describes when it comes to understanding scripture. And the second verse? I don’t know about you, but the last thing I feel when I don’t understand something, is content.

This is where some doubt may come in on my part, doubt in my ability to understand scripture.

I live by my faith, but I don’t understand every mystery of God.

Right now, our Bible study is going line by line through the book of Jude, learning about apostasy in the church.

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

How do we contend for our faith when there is so much to know and everyone has their own opinions and interpretations? You may say go back to the Bible. But have you read the Bible? There is a way to pick a verse to support all kinds of beliefs. After all, false teachers teach from the Bible, too. So am I believing a false teaching somewhere in my belief system? Will I be one of the deceived, as this next verse warns?

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will provide great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect (God’s chosen ones).

Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬ ‭AMP

Is it only my pride that would say I wouldn’t be deceived?

I’m also reading a novel with a sub-plot about apostates and heretics. So who are they? Here is one definition which shows the difference.

apostasy, the total rejection of Christianity by a baptized person who, having at one time professed the Christian faith, publicly rejects it. It is distinguished from heresy, which is limited to the rejection of one or more Christian doctrines by one who maintains an overall adherence to Jesus Christ.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/apostasy

As to my own doubt, there are many scriptures addressing doubt and false teaching, but let me draw your attention back to the third verse of Psalm 131 above. In our pursuit of understanding, trust is the remedy and the Holy Spirit is the means. We are further encouraged at the end of Jude.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.

Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV

One day we will see God face to face and all our questions will be answered. In the meantime, we are invited to come and sit contentedly in his presence.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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