Greens and Greys and Pancakes

The clouds outside of Driscoll are incredible. Framing the law school clock tower, they're dark and powerful. Puffed-up and huge, their layers of different shades of grey fill the sky. A storm is brewing, and these clouds tell it. It looks like a big storm, mighty and powerful. Maybe some thunder and lightning. But it isn't a scary storm. Even though it's big and strong, it's one of those almost peaceful ones. You know that feeling, when you're sitting inside during a huge storm? There's thunder and lightning, the rain pounding against the windows and roof. It's surrounding you, enveloping you in its power. But it's also comforting. You know you are safe inside, and you can sense how great nature is. You know it could potentially be dangerous, but right now it isn't. And it is peaceful in its disquiet and strength.

And you know, it kinda reminds me of God. A lot of the time I get caught in a trap of not revering God enough. I write and think often about how great and good, loving and merciful, kind and compassionate He is. I talk about how wonderful it is to hold His hand, or sit in His lap and be comforted. I consider Him to be my best friend, my father, my confidant, my comforter. He's kind and loving, caring and good. But He's not all fluffy and soft. He's also God. He's King. He's Lord. He's great, mighty, jealous, powerful, angry, just, and strong. Too often I focus only on the personal part of God, and I don't show Him the honor and glory and respect He not only deserves, but requires.

I've been reading in Isaiah recently. Actually, I've been reading it for awhile, because it is much harder to get through than the gospels. The gospels are so full of stories and miracles and then of course Jesus' sacrifice. Isaiah has a lot more suffering and it's quite as interesting to read (initially at least). But I figured I should get through it because the entire Bible is important, not just the parts that specifically interest me at this point in time.

Many of the verses talk about destruction. God says how He can build, and He can destroy. He can create, and He can end. He talks about how He is God and He has the right to do these things. Reading it I was confused, questioning. I don't believe that God orchestrates bad things. I believe that He allows them at times, because if He didn't then life would just be one great puppet show, but I don't believe that He is the evil puppeteer master who burns down sets and strangles puppet dolls in their strings. So I couldn't understand these verses.

But then, I think I got it. Or this is my understanding at least. God isn't saying "I will destroy and kill everything." He's saying "I can destroy, I have the power, because I am God." It's not that God wants suffering or bad things. He's reminding us that as God, He can do whatever. Who am I to think I have rights? Who am I to scream and yell at God and tell Him He can't do something? Who am I to think I am so great I get to have a say in any matter? God is GOD. He created this world. He has the power, He decides. Those verses reminded me that the God who is my father and best friend and comforter is also the master of the universe, creator of the world. He does not only ask for glory and praise, He demands it, because He is all-powerful, all-mighty, but also all-good. He can do whatever He pleases, it doesn't mean He will, the point is simply that He can.