Each year, as the staff gather for the first official day of the new school year, we have a day with a spiritual focus. It is simply known as our annual Spiritual Enrichment Day. This day seeks to capture the sense that we have all been called by God to serve Him through the provision of our distinctive Christian education. It always proves to be one of our most significant gatherings.
This year, we were blessed to have Matthew Jacoby speak to us. Matthew is a lecturer at Melbourne School of Theology and the Senior Pastor of OneHope Baptist Church in Geelong. He has recently written a book called ‘Deeper Places,’ which focuses on how the book of Psalms, found in the Old Testament, enables us to deepen our relationship with God. This day proved to be a profoundly rich blessing to all the staff.
The book of Psalms contains 150 different psalms, and with a close examination of this book, one can see that not every psalm is about joy in life. There are psalms that speak of confusion, doubt, heartache and even complaints. Matthew Jacoby helped us understand that the book of Psalms reassures us that it is okay to feel uncertainty and confusion, even when there is no clear resolution.
Reading through the psalms, we see the psalmists overwhelmed by what they cannot control or change—a feeling many of us can identify with.
In their cry of desperation to the Lord God, they open themselves up to developing a faith and trust that holds them fast in the midst of uncertainty. Though they may not have the answers, one thing remains certain in their hearts, minds and souls: they have God! Matthew Jacoby gently helped us realise that God wants and allows us to express our feelings, and through it all, He is there.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah vented in a similar manner in Jeremiah 20:7. He said, “O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived… I am ridiculed… and everyone mocks me!”
Jeremiah cries out, feeling as though God has betrayed and failed him. His words may sound blasphemous, yet God hears his cry, though He does not immediately respond or react.
As Jeremiah sits with these words echoing in his mind, God gently reminds him of the call He had placed on him in his youth, and something starts to burn within him: it is the message God gave him. Through his hurt and confusion, he screams out loud. Yet as he does, God’s voice grows ever stronger and ultimately drowns out his words and feelings. God uses His Word to penetrate Jeremiah’s being, for it has already taken root deep within him and ultimately brings the comfort he is seeking.
The opportunity to allow God’s word to take root in us is available to you and me.
This is one of the key reasons why the staff and I start each day with a devotion, gathering around God’s word and giving it the opportunity to take root.
When our school day begins with our students, we also take the time to centre ourselves in God’s Word. These practices are important, as they create space in our days for God’s word and presence to take root, reminding us that He loves each of us deeply.
When we find ourselves in a similar position to one of the psalmists or Jeremiah, when hurt and frustration scream loudly within us, may we remember that God is there. Through His mercies, His voice and His ever-faithful love, He will rise above the tumult.
May this be a blessing to you.