I fell into a spiritual slump not long after the Lord led me through a profound area of repentance. I’d made
some life-changing confessions to others and myself and I was free at last! But the enemy didn't want me to feel comfortable in this fresh
feeling of freedom. Underlying doubt played on continuous loop in my mind. I
knew God could, and had, forgiven me but I sensed uneasiness in my
spirit and had a hard time making the pieces of the forgiveness puzzle fit
together.
A business trip took me to Dallas, close to where a dear
married couple of spiritual giants lived, a great Aunt and Uncle of my
husband’s. When I refer to them as “great”, I mean that literally and
genealogically. These two souls lived, breathed and loved Jesus Christ. They made their home close to us in Colorado for a number of
years and I’d known them since before we married, but I’d stayed in the
background at most of our family gatherings.
I admired them from afar but didn't feel that I had much of a personal
relationship with them. At this crucial moment in
my life, I had an important question that I not only wanted - but needed - to
ask them.
They thought it somewhat surprising when I
called and asked if I could stop and see them during my trip to Texas, but they
were most obliging and extended the famous southern hospitality. As my anxious heart pounded in my chest, we spent an
afternoon and evening together talking about their new life in Texas, what church
they attended, how they spent their days as retirees, giving updates on family
members, and what brought me to the area. Finally, our discussions turned to spiritual
matters and I heard the remarkable stories of when their hearts caught on fire
for the Lord. They captured my full attention and at the right moment, I
blurted out the question I’d come such a long way to ask,
“How do you know God loves you?”
I referred to myself, of course. I needed to know how God
could love me after all I’d done. For me, this was the missing piece of the
forgiveness puzzle and I needed an answer to silence my plaguing doubts.
He looked me straight in the eye and said, “Because God tells
us in His Word.” And at that moment, I received one of the most profound, life changing
gifts I've ever received. This dear couple took my
heart by its spiritual hand and showed me two passages in Scripture that I’ll
forever call my own. They encouraged me
to read them, and not just read but devour, and not just devour, but to meditate
and allow them to penetrate. For when we meditate on God’s Word, it can penetrate the deepest places of our heart.
That’s the day I discovered my two favorite chapters in all
of God’s word: Psalm 139 and Ephesians 1.
They've become personal love letters to me from a God Who asks that I cast my
cares upon Him because He cares for me. I continually cast, and He responds with grace,
mercy, and most of all, love. Not just in my moments of need, but also in times of rejoicing. The more I cast, the more He responds, and the more I'm filled with His love.
God speaks to us through His inerrant Word. When He tells me He loves me I make a choice
to believe Him, even when I don’t feel lovable. He knows
more about me than I know myself and through the blood of Christ He sees me as
holy, blameless and without blemish. I don’t have to understand it, for it is a
mystery. My role is to accept it as truth. Embracing that truth has changed my doubting heart into one of strengthened faith. I pray the love of Christ brings life change for you as
well.
For I am persuaded
that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to
come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the
power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39 (HCSB)
Your turn:
What are your go-to passages of scripture and why are they
important to you?
Did you discover the passages by yourself or did someone
share them with you?
How have they helped you through a spiritual slump?
I’d love to hear your story. Please share your comments!
Find strength today, by the Word,
Psalm 119:28
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