When Scripture Lives

You have removed my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an object of loathing to them; I am shut up and cannot go out. Psalm 88:8 (New American Standard Bible)

Well known author and speaker, Beth Moore, has said, “God’s Word is alive and active in me.” I see the truth of her statement every time Scripture pin-points an area in my life and reads like a “tell all” book of my heart. I stand amazed that not only does God know me thoroughly but exposes much about myself in His Word. But He doesn’t stop there, He guides me in steps of application.

Like many of you, I have lived today’s verse. The removal of acquaintances, the feeling of being an object of loathing to them, and the sense of being shut up and unable to escape. Such prisons of the heart and mind are very confining but not impossible to leave. For me it is a matter of changing my thoughts and that on which I choose to dwell. Each time I experience imprisoned moments they are more and more uncomfortable and my desire to be free is greater. My most recent “incarceration” ended when I realized I don’t have to keep thinking through the same issues or continue asking myself the same unanswerable questions. The sky is the limit when it comes to what I can meditate on through out the day. Negative, destructive thoughts close the prison door, but truthful, right thoughts are my keys to freedom. It is not just a matter of positive thinking. It is a matter of obedience that produces freedom.

I find it interesting that as soon as I come out of my “cell” God is ready with some precious truths that speak powerfully to me. One such truth came while reading COME AWAY MY BELOVED by Francis J. Roberts. She writes entries that sound like God is speaking in the first person. It gave me one of those clear pictures I needed in order to replace the distorted images in my mind. It will be a thought I embrace and recall throughout today. She wrote, “I have deliberately put thorns in your nest in order to drive you forth. I understand your reluctance, but I shall surely deal with you until you break out of your bondage.” I take comfort in seeing God’s ultimate goal for me.

Father, I have felt the thorns. Forgive my reluctance to move and keep dealing with me until my bondage is broken. Amen.