Why do we love?

even through this time of prelims, there is always something to learn from God. its just a matter of whether we want to open the eyes of our hearts, to see what God is teaching, or to be still and hear his voice. i guess many of you are facing unnecessary stress now. not that this is some kind of stress management post, but yeah, just would like all of you to see the christian perspective of it.

God is good, don't you agree? okay, you may not, considering the fact that there are times of difficulty and trials, but you should be rejoicing instead! at least you know he's putting you through this so that he can mould your character into becoming more and more like Christ. right? well i guess its tough, i couldn't rejoice during those times too, so yeah. just try to be happy.

stress management. before we get into any of these, i guess all of you may be feeling stress because of exams right? i don't think there's anything that could possibly stress you out at this period of time. well, the first question i want to pose to you is: what's your purpose of studying?

many of you study just for the sake of studying, or perhaps because education's compulsory in Singapore.. but how many of you ever thought of studying to glorify God's name? you maybe asking: how? if you study using your own strength, there's no chance for God to intervene and reveal his glory to you. but if you admit to God that you're weak and he's strong, and that you want him to help you in the exams, he'll do so. don't get me wrong here. i'm not saying that you shouldn't study, and go in the exam hall and ask God for help. he will definitely not help you. just do your best. God wants nothing but the best from you. so as long as you put in your best effort, be sure that he'll take everything into His hand from there. i'm not saying also that if you rely on God, you will definitely get good grades. i guess this all depends on God's blueprint for you. so if you do get a good grade, relying on God, all the more you can boast about the Lord your God, who has helped you win the battle over studies!

one thing that many people don't realise is that God is ever so near to them, and that they are carrying unnecessary burdens. whenever faced with a struggle or difficulty, they take it upon themselves and moan and groan in agony, not getting anything done. Jesus is saying to you now, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30) why border carrying your own load when Jesus is willing to carry it for you? he wants to exchange his yoke for your burden! you have a heavy burden, he has a light yoke, why not change? God loves you so much, he wants you to be at rest in Him.

we often find satisfaction in alot of other things other than God. Satisfaction. where can we find true satisfaction? many atimes we try to seek other things, hoping we can get our minds off work for a while, and i admit i'm guilty of it too. but God is saying, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."(Isaiah 55:1-2)

just a lil' summary of this post:
-what is your purpose of studying?
-rejoice in tough times; God is moulding you.
-exchange your heavy burdens for Jesus' light yoke.
-satisfy yourself only with the living stream of life: Jesus.