New Found Hope

Words can be very powerful. They can make a person question many things, cause hurt and pain, be like an ointment on a wound, or they can portray joy, peace, love, and kindness. Words can even speak death.
Recently I got into a heated discussion about the translations of the Bible which lead to other topics of argument and then the grand finale with my words "You can have your Bible and you can have your God because I don't want any part of it!" I was so angry that in my haste I picked up my Bible, put it into a plastic bag and swung it under my bed.
My ground was shaking and I was falling apart. God had me in the palm of His hands and I didn't recognize it. Looking back now, 20/20 hind site, I know God allowed me to throw my temper tantrum just so I would surrender and be broken for Him.
Inside I was in torment because the devil had me where he wanted me. I felt the urge to pick up my phone to pull up the Bible application, but I didn't. I was being rebellious and stubborn.  I was not going to give in.
Then in the middle of this a friend, Sharon, text me to say that she was concerned over me. She had read one my blogs and my words concerned her. So I proceeded to share with her my wound. I know God sent her to help straighten me out. She definitely helped me; I love her dearly.
Through our trials, God cares so much for his chosen people that He reminds us of who He is.
I think of the chorus line in Kutless' song "You Are Everything."

You Are strength in my weakness
You are the refuge I seek
You are everything in my time of need
You are everything, You are everything I need

I needed God's answers to my hurt and pain. I was desperate for Him and needing to truly know Him. I needed Him to show up and reveal Himself to me. Was this the God that I grew up knowing? Was  there a different God with a different agenda? I thought there was a different God out there ready to correct me with a baseball bat. The very thing that I grew up thinking, was right, it didn't make sense to me.  God showed up and showed out. First, he called me to confess my faults.  After a few discussions with Sharon, I was lead to read Psalms 51 just the first 4 verses. It was enough to allow me to ask for forgiveness for turning my poor attitude into a poor reaction, lead me to stop questioning this God who has taught me love.  It freed me up from the bondage of rebellion and stubbornness.
Next, God knew what I needed. The next morning I wasn't going to pull my Bible out from under my bed, but I did it anyways. I asked the Lord to show me just who He is and if what I have been taught from my youth until now is factual or phony.
He opened a whole new world of words for me. These words weren't new words, but just words that He used as ointment on my broken heart. Words such as "chosen, forgiven, loved, and Creator."
The next day, He showed me more words "success, love, humble, and perseverance."
Again, it was healing for me to spend time with Him in such a way that was peaceful and rewarding.

Growing up, I use to think the Bible was hard to read and it didn't make sense to me at all. Now, I know it doesn't matter what translation I use or what language it is in, if it's God inspired it isn't wrong to read.  I asked the Lord for understanding of His word before I begin reading it. I figured He could do that too since He is the author after all.
Sometimes we get so hung up on words that we miss  the heart of God's message. It's then that we miss the relationship that He longs to have with us.
I am back to reading His word diligently and intensely each morning, noon, and at night. Oh, how I love Him.


~ Be encouraged God's got ya even when you think you're falling off a cliff. He will help you understand His written word; after all He did create it.