I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that I’m the only person in the world who reads through back issues of the Ann Arbor Baptist, a periodical from the late 1800s. But periodicals like that were the blogs of their era and within their pages I find such interesting articles and poems. One that I spotted recently (though I’ve spotted it in other works as well, sometimes adapted into a hymn) is Mary Brainard’s “I Know Not What Shall Befall Me,” a poem of trust in God’s character and his providence. It is well worth a read—aloud, of course, as poems are meant to be read.

I know not what shall befall me,God hangs a mist o’er my eyes,And each step in my onward pathHe makes new scenes to rise,And every joy He sends to meComes as a sweet surprise.
I see not a step before meAs I tread on another year,But the past is still in God’s keeping,The future His mercy shall clear,And what looks dark in the distanceMay brighten as I draw near.
For perhaps the dreaded futureHas less bitter than I think;The Lord may sweeten the watersBefore I stoop to drink;Or, if Marah must be Marah,He will stand beside its brink.
It may be He has, waitingFor the coming of my feet,Some gift of such rare value,Some joy so strangely sweet,That my lips shall only trembleWith the thanks they cannot speak.
O, restful blissful ignorance!’Tis blessed not to know:It keeps me still in those armsWhich will not let me go,And hushes my soul to restIn the bosom that loved me so!
So I go on—not knowing;I would not if I might,Rather walking with God in the darkThan going alone in the light;Rather walking with Him by faithThan walking alone by sight.
My heart shrinks back from trialsWhich the future may disclose,Yet I never had a sorrowBut what the dear Lord chose;So I send the coming tears backWith the whispered word, “He knows!”
(It’s also fun to come across old advertisements like this one, which you find in the old periodicals. Between you and me, I kind of think this cure is over-promising…)

There was no silence like the silence that descended over the trenches of Western Europe on the morning of November 11, 1918. At exactly 11 AM, an armistice came into effect that brought a halt to all fighting on land, sea, and air. Never had silence been better appreciated than when that silence marked the end of the four brutal years we now call the First World War. In its own way, the silence was a song that told of the cessation of hostilities and the dawning of peace.

Matt Boswell and Matt Papa once wrote a hymn about the beauty of stillness, of calmness, of peace. “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor” is meant to comfort Christians in times of trial and suffering. Its lyrics tell about the fury of life’s storms when winds of doubt are blowing and sinking hopes are few. They tell about the tempests of temptation, the floods of unbelief, and the waves of death. Through it all they promise Christ as the sure and steady anchor and proclaim, that with God’s help, “I will hold fast to the anchor; / It shall never be removed.”
The hymn culminates in a stanza that speaks of the Christian’s confidence as he faces the inevitability of death, for each of these different forms of suffering and sorrow is in its own way pointing us to the final suffering, the final sorrow, and to all that lies beyond. “When these trials give way to glory, / As we draw our final breath; / We will cross that great horizon, / Clouds behind and life secure…” And then this:

And the calm will be the betterFor the storms that we endure.

The silence that followed the Armistice at the end of the First World War was especially sweet to the soldiers because of the long and brutal clamor that preceded it. And in just that way, the calm of heaven will be especially sweet to the Christian because of the suffering and sorrow that we have endured before it.
I have often heard those who have endured hurricanes tell that they had never appreciated silence as much as they did in the moments that followed the storm. I have often heard those who have endured illnesses tell that they had never appreciated health as much as they did in the moments that followed their recovery. And in much the same way, the peace of heaven will be especially delightful because of the warfare we have experienced here. The health of heaven will be especially precious because of the sickness we have experienced here. The safety of heaven will be especially meaningful because of the danger we have experienced here.
And so, Christian, when you have to pass through times of difficulties, times of trial, times of pain, you can gaze toward that distant horizon believing and knowing that the struggles you are enduring now are not only deepening your longing for heaven but also seasoning heaven to make it even better, even sweeter, even more precious. For as the songwriters say, the calm will be the better for the storms that we endure.

A new year inevitably brings lots of exciting new book releases. Though that is true of 2022, the selection is a unfortunately a little smaller than would usually be the case due to all the supply chain and shipping issues we have been hearing so much about. Still, there are lots of excellent new books available. I have picked through the pile growing on and around my desk and narrowed it down to this selection of new and notables.

God, Technology, and the Christian Life by Tony Reinke. “What does God think about technology? From smartphones to self-driving cars to space travel, new technologies can inspire us. But the breakneck pace of change can also frighten us. So how do Christians walk by faith through the innovations of Silicon Valley? And how does God relate to our most powerful innovators? To build a biblical theology of technology, journalist and tech optimist Tony Reinke examines nine key texts from Scripture to show how the world’s discoveries are divinely orchestrated. Ultimately, what we believe about God determines how we respond to human invention. With the help of several theologians and inventors throughout history, Reinke dispels twelve common myths in the church and offers fourteen ethical convictions to help Christians live by faith in the age of big tech.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Romans (Reformed Expository Commentary by Daniel Doriani. It’s always a big deal when a commentary series releases their volume on Romans! “Drawing from the great doctrinal heritage of the Reformed faith, Daniel Doriani brings clarity and unique insight to the many practical lessons on Christian living and salvation found in the book of Romans. With verse-by-verse commentary, Doriani examines Paul’s message to the early church in Rome in detail, providing readers with historical, cultural, and biblical context for each chapter, along with structural analysis and theological lessons. This comprehensive commentary explores the core of Pauline theology, touching on themes of righteousness, church unity, justification, and the application of faith in our daily lives. As are all Reformed Expository Commentaries, this book is accessible to both pastors and lay readers. Each volume in the series gives careful attention to the biblical text, is doctrinally Reformed, focuses on Christ through the lens of redemptive history, and applies the Bible to our contemporary setting.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Psalms (Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary) by James Hamilton. What’s true of Romans is true also of Psalms—it’s a particularly important commentary in any set. The EBTC has just added a two-volume Psalms commentary by James Hamilton. “The Psalms are a carefully arranged collage of history, prophecy, and praise. James M. Hamilton provides a fresh translation and canonical interpretation of the Psalms. Though commonly read in isolation, the Psalms are best read as a collage that tells a story of God’s faithfulness to his people through his king. Following the introductory Psalms 1–2, Hamilton observes the significance of the Psalter’s intentional macro-structuring and intricate links across neighboring psalms. Hamilton interprets with a literary sensitivity and an eye towards canonical connections. Learn where the Psalms belong in the redemptive story, how they relate to God’s people, and how they find their fulfillment in Jesus.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
We Go On: Finding Purpose in All of Life’s Sorrows and Joys by John Onwuchekwa. “Do you often ask the question ‘What is my purpose in life?’ Rich with black-and-white photography, powerful stories, and life-changing reflections from the book of Ecclesiastes, We Go On, by pastor and entrepreneur John Onwuchekwa calls you to find the true answer to the question: Why am I here? In a world that encourages us to find meaning in temporary things, we long to know that who we are makes a difference after we’re gone. This hope-filled exploration of this biblical book of wisdom turns our attention to what our true purpose is and how to let that purpose shape our relationships, career, and life choices. Along with biblical insights, John Onwuchekwa weaves together meaningful challenges that even from difficult beginnings, we can continue to trust God’s path. In this book, you’ll discover a more meaningful, fulfilling life as you explore themes such as: work, wealth, and power; sexuality, social relationships, and justice; religion and family. Inspiring black-and-white photography paired with a modern cover make this a perfect gift to give to men and women for holidays, graduations, birthdays, new jobs, or to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Demystifying Decision-Making: A Practical Guide by Aimee Joseph. “On an average day, people make countless decisions: Should I get out of bed or hit the snooze button? What should I have for breakfast? Where should we go for this year’s vacation? While some decisions are easy to make, others can leave individuals paralyzed and full of anxiety. As Christians living in an increasingly individualistic society, what’s the best strategy for making decisions that honor God while becoming more like him in the process? Writing from her own experience and pointing to biblical examples, Aimee Joseph offers a biblical and theological framework for decision-making. She explains God’s design for humans as decision-makers, the biblical model for making choices, common wrong approaches, practical tips, and what to do when you’ve made a poor decision. With the philosophy that “as we shape our decisions, our decisions shape us,” Joseph teaches readers how to worship and draw closer to Christ through their daily decisions.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations by Isaac Adams. “Conversations about racism are as important as they are hard for American Christians. Yet the conversation often gets so ugly, even among the faithful who claim unity in Jesus. Why is that the case? Why does it matter? Can things get better, or are we permanently divided? In this honest and hopeful book, pastor Isaac Adams doesn’t just show you how to have the race conversation, he begins it for you. By offering a fictional, racially charged tragedy in order to understand varying perspectives and responses, he examines what is at stake if we ignore this conversation, and why there’s just as much at stake in how we have that discussion, especially across color lines–that is, with people of another ethnicity. This unique approach offers insight into how to listen to one another well and seek unity in Christ. Looking to God’s Word, Christians can find wisdom to speak gracefully and truthfully about racism for the glory of God, the good of their neighbors, and the building up of the church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Mission Affirmed: Recovering the Missionary Motivation of Paul by Elliot Clark. What will it take to accomplish Christ’s mission in our lifetime? That’s the question evangelicals have been asking for over a century, but our efforts to reach the unreached and finish the task have often sacrificed the important for the immediate. The greatest challenge in evangelical missions isn’t a lack of urgency, but a lack of discernment. As we’ve prioritized movements that are simple and reproducible, the gospel and faithful churches are now threatened. Our mission itself could be disqualified. In Mission Affirmed, Elliot Clark seeks to reshape our motivation by considering the example of Paul the missionary. The desire for God’s approval is what formed his ambition and directed his methods, and it should guide ours too. In these pages, we rediscover how pursuing God’s praise can both motivate and regulate our gospel ministries. We also refocus—as missionaries, pastors, churches, and individuals—on what matters more than a mission accomplished: a mission God affirms.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Read This First: A Simple Guide to Getting the Most from the Bible by Gary Millar. “The Bible is the most extraordinary book you’ll ever read; it’s how God speaks directly to us and how his Spirit works to change us. But it can seem intimidating, confusing and even a little bit boring. In this book, Gary Millar shows you that the skills you need to read the Bible are not beyond your grasp. In a warm, approachable style, he gives you the tools to read and understand the Bible for yourself, helping you move from confusion to confidence as you enjoy refreshment in God’s word. Whether you are a new believer and don’t know where to start or you have been a Christian for a while but have never got into a regular habit of Bible reading, this book will equip you to get going. As you read the Bible, you will hear God speak, and you will be changed to be more like Jesus. Don’t miss out!” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition by Ligonier Ministries. “The most important relationship in life is your relationship with God. If you want to grow in your faith, you must turn to His Word. That’s where God has spoken. The Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition is built on the trusted teaching of Dr. R.C. Sproul to help you dig deeper into the Scriptures to find answers and direction for all of life. Grasp the Bible’s meaning with verse-by-verse notes from more than seventy-five pastors and Bible teachers, gain clarity with hundreds of questions and answers that address key subjects of the Christian faith, and apply the knowledge of God to daily living with many practical lessons from every book of the Bible.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Concise New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis (CNIDNTTE) by Christopher A. Beetham. This “is a significant resource for those looking for a quick-reference guide to aid in exegesis and interpretation. It retains all the essentials of the monumental and magisterial New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis edited by Moises Silva, bringing together its most important elements into one accessible volume. This reference includes the most vital, relevant information needed to delve deep into the study of the Greek words used in Scripture for study of the New Testament–its texts and theology. This volume offers a wealth of background and information on the meaning of Greek words in the New Testament, as well as related usage in classical Greek sources, the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), and extrabiblical Second Temple Jewish literature. … The Concise New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis is the ideal tool for pastors, Bible teachers, students, and scholars engaging in exegesis. It is packed with the essential information needed to study the New Testament.” (Buy it at Amazon)