"A Boon We Do Not Expect"

"It is amazing," wrote John Calvin, "how much our lack of trust provokes God if we request of him a boon that we do not expect."

It was one of four "rules" he taught on prayer in his magisterial work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion.

But having confidence in God did not mean to Calvin a trouble-free (or troubled-free) existence.  Note the wisdom in this gem:

But "assurance" I do not understand to mean that which soothes our mind with sweet and perfect repose, releasing it from every anxiety. For to repose so peacefully is the part of those who, when all affairs are flowing to their liking, are touched by no care, burn with no desire, toss with no fear. But for the saints the occasion that best stimulates them to call upon God is when, distressed by their own need, they are troubled by the greatest unrest, and are almost driven out of their senses, until faith opportunely comes to their relief. For among such tribulations God's goodness so shines upon them that even when they groan with weariness under the weight of present ills, and also are troubled and tormented by the fear of greater ones, yet, relying upon his goodness, they are relieved of the difficulty of bearing them, and are solaced and hope for escape and deliverance. It is fitting therefore that the godly man's prayer arise from these two emotions, that it also contain and represent both. That is, that he groan under present ills and anxiously fear those to come, yet at the same time take refuge in God, not at all doubting he is ready to extend his helping hand. It is amazing how much our lack of trust provokes God if we request of him a boon that we do not expect.

Calvin's Institutes is one of my reading projects for 2009, the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.  60% complete....