In Such a Time as This

In the time when thou shalt be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters thy merchandise and all thy company in the midst of thee shall fall. Ezekiel 27:34 (King James Version)

Tyrus was a city of great wealth and importance in Old Testament times. Many nations where part of her commerce on the sea. Ezekiel 27 lists many who bought and sold merchandise from her and helped to build her into quite an empire of enterprise. But Ezekiel prophesied of a day when all her notoriety and importance would fall along with all who brought her that notoriety and importance.

Have you ever come to such a place of brokenness? All that you have looked to for identity, affirmation, acceptance, and significance has fallen and you are left with the reality of who you are in your aloneness and vulnerability? How many people and possessions would have to be removed from your life before reality would fill you with profound fear? What would it take to shake you to the very core of yourself and leave you wondering if you are going to actually survive the crash?

One author stated the ease with which we live our lives when all is going well and we are surrounded by the support of loving people in our life. But is that still the case when the props are removed and the sources of security are no longer in place? What does our internal world look like when we are forced to see wherein our security and significance is rooted? Who and what of this life would have to be removed before we could honestly say, “God is my All in all! He is my Everything!”

Disappointment eventually marks my path whenever my expectations, longings, and desires are directed toward anyone but God. He warns of the dangers and emptiness that result when I turn from the Fount of living waters and look to broken cisterns to quench the thirst of my soul. He knows the hindrances to the very wholeness and healing I long for. He has even brought an example across my path of one who at one time mirrored my own experiences. Her present freedom in Christ has fueled a spark of hope for me.

I take seriously the fact that some may be reading this who sense the truth of these words for themselves. They too have seen the futility of allowing anything or anyone besides God to be their Source of life. May each of us stand before Him today in honesty and openness. He offers healing and wholeness. Will we dare to receive it?

Father, You alone know the depths of my struggle and brokenness. I have experienced many things with You and realize afresh the experiences are not over. Teach me how to accept Your extravagant gifts of wholeness and healing. Amen.

Above All - Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjYiEyu8Si8

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.