Have you ever been in one of those situations where you heard a word or sentence that piques your curiosity, and then the same idea comes up several times in a short period? As a Christ follower, I take that as God trying to get my attention. What might that idea be right now? It is the idea of “presupposition.”
Two weeks ago, during bible study, our teacher explained that when we study the Bible, we often come with presuppositions. A presupposition is something we assume to be true based on our background. If you are raised Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, other world religions, or no religion, you were taught foundational beliefs that you probably don’t question. Her encouragement was to pray God would reveal any presuppositions you have before you try to interpret scripture.
Traditions
That Sunday, our pastor spoke about traditions. Traditions can be helpful because they can teach and reinforce doctrine and habits that make you more like Jesus. Traditions can also be stumbling blocks when you love traditions more than you love God or follow your traditions instead of following God. He SAID traditions, but I HEARD presuppositions.
This week, as I was preparing for a book discussion, I read an article entitled “Suppose We All Presupposed.” I laughed aloud and said to myself, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”. I didn’t have to read the article to realize God was tapping me on the shoulder.
If I live a good life…
What does that have to do with the idea of grief and loss in the life of a believer? When it comes to loss in my life, I had many presuppositions. I thought if I just did things God’s way, nothing terrible would ever happen to me. That’s not very biblical. John 16:33 says, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” God says we will have trouble. Why was I surprised? What God promises is his presence in the midst of trouble, not an absence of trouble.
If doubts of God’s love arise…
I assumed that as I grew in my faith, I would come to the point that I didn’t doubt God’s goodness or his love for me. Yet losing David and later Bryan made that a serious question in my life. Philippians 2:12 says, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” God doesn’t demand I accept everything that comes my way and blindly trust Him. He invites me to “work it out” with Him. What is important is where I land.
If you don’t feel up to worship…
I assumed that church would be a joyous place of being around friends and family as I grieved. Sometimes, going to church is difficult in the midst of grief. It is easier to stay home and go to bed. On those days, I think about Hebrews 13:15. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Going to church isn’t about me – it is about God. About giving Him the honor due Him. Sometimes, that means sitting off by myself and singing through tears. That is my sacrifice of praise. He is my hope.
If you wonder where to turn…
I assume that eventually, it won’t hurt to think about David and Bryan. I won’t hear a sermon about Jesus raising someone from the dead and get frustrated that God didn’t save my boys. Those anniversary months won’t bring with them familiar heartaches. Ultimately, I learned even when I was in the depths of despair, I had no choice but to trust God. Like the disciples, when everyone was turning away from Christ, and he asked if they were leaving too, they responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68).
Reflection
As you consider your own life, what presuppositions do you have? Are there any you want to revisit? The Christian life is a journey. You can be kind to yourself because God sees outside of time and space. He knows where you will land.
Parts of this blog come from a podcast with Jill Sullivan, Executive Director of While We’re Waiting.
