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Thorn: Do not attempt to base your interpretation of God on your circumstances,



GOD DOES NOT ANSWER TO YOU


Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked . . . 
until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.
PSALM 73:1–3, 17




...Do not attempt to base your interpretation of God on your circumstances, but see your circumstances in light of who God has revealed himself to be. Seasons of affliction and unanswered prayer do not mean God likes to hurt you or leave you in the dark. In fact, you know the opposite is true; God works for your holiness and happiness in his Son through affliction; and even in the darkest times of life when he seems silent, he is with you to guide and protect you.

What this means for you is to remember that God does not answer to you or to your theology. You answer to him and can rest on what he has revealed of himself in his Word.


Thorn, J., & Storms, S. (2011). Note to self: the discipline of preaching to yourself. Wheaton, IL: Crossway.

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