Oh, if only I could hold Your gaze
Then I’d know You are stronger than the forces of my heart that seem to
Drive me down into the waves
— “Hold Me Fast” by Glenna Marshall

It’s one thing to claim that God is sovereign, and it’s another to see him take someone or something away from us and then find a way to praise his name. I can sing of the goodness of God when walking in the rose garden, but what about when I’m wandering the cold valley?

Theology is meant to equip us for life.

Theology (“the study of God and of God’s relation to the world”) is easier to articulate in articles, books, and journals than it is lived out. Learning about theology comes in two parts. There’s the time in the classroom (or on the couch with a good book), and there’s the time of living it out. Theology isn’t something that only goes in our minds to make us smarter, but it’s meant to equip us for life.

We put our theology into practice every day in the choices we make, the words we say, and the actions we take. If we believe the image of God resides in everyone, that should impact how we treat them. If we believe God changes the hearts of sinners, that will impact how we evangelize. If we believe God hates sin but is always ready to forgive his children, that will impact our repentance.