What Does It All Mean?

I the LORD will answer him who comes, according to the multitude of his idols, that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols. Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations. Ezekiel 14:4-6 (New King James Version)

In the summer of 2006 God severed a person whom I had become dependent upon from my life. At the time, I called it the removal of an idol. All ties were cut, all communication ceased. The year that followed entailed a lot of tears and painful choices. One of those choices was to shred and burn two years worth of emails and to part with memorabilia that I had collected and treasured. I longed for freedom from the hold this relationship had on me and also from the hurt, disappointment, and pain the separation had caused. When it was all said and done, I had managed to clear away the external parts of idolatry….much like the children of Israel destroying their idols of wood, silver and gold…but wondered if anything had transpired internally.

While this person is no longer a part of my life or my journey, I still have within me a pull toward people and close relationships. I still find myself seeking the comfort, advice, and encouragement of those I value. I believe without a doubt that God uses people to comfort, advise, and encourage us, and yet when I reach out to embrace the relationships I fear I have once again set up an idol in my heart. Today’s passage haunts me with words like multitudes of idols, estranged, repent, turn away, abominations. Tears are close to the surface when I consider the possible loss of more individuals in my life.

I am asking God (pleading with God) to show me the heart issues that need to be dealt with. He knows my fears and at this time my skewed thinking of Himself. He knows I am questioning whether or not the letting go of mindsets and heart issues will entail letting go of the very people He has brought into my life. He also knows I am not sure how much of my unsettled thinking is of Him or the enemy.

Today will be a day of answers. I start with the premise that God loves me and is trustworthy. He is not intent on hurting me but on helping me. He alone can clear my mind of false information and unfounded fears. His Word is not meant to haunt me but rather to heal and restore me. I look to Him.

Father, I am not at peace with myself or with You. Hold me. Speak to me. Show me what I am failing to see. Help me to hear Your voice and understand Your words. I look to You. Amen.

Help Me, God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmSSWHO8ueA&feature=PlayList&p=0292C1E0257C0CAB&playnext=1&index=44

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16