Aug. 2, 2007 - Revealing my enemies
Some of the best ‘life-giving’ Scriptures can be found in the Psalms.
I admit I spend a lot of my Bible reading time being nourished by the words in red, Jesus’ words, but when I’m feeling at a loss for an answer or need inspiration to bolster my mind into an attitude of praise (some days I struggle with circumstances and personalities and I need extra prodding to lift my heart in praise) I open at the Psalms.
I tend to focus on all the passages that are uplifting, or tell of the goodness of God and His promises to His people, but I rush through all the ‘enemy’ verses as I have never found that the armies of
I was walking the dog, lost in my own private thoughts and discussing what I had read earlier that day with God. Not expecting Him to voice an opinion I continued my one sided ramble as the miles passed and the sun sank lower on the western horizon, grateful that I had this time to breathe in some privacy and walk off the day’s frustrations.
That particular day our family had come under a lot of rebuke and was made to feel unnecessarily pressured. Unable to do anything to relieve the situation I had the sense that people were closing in on me with demands that could not be met to their satisfaction and it unnerved me. My husband was experiencing this alongside me but being different genders and personalities we tended to deal with it differently, hence my need to walk it out alone.
With the house coming into view I felt a quietness cover my spirit and, slowing my steps, I looked for a log to rest on to enjoy the soothing peace that was steadily moving through my entire body. It was then that God spoke to my heart, revealing His Psalms to hold new meaning and new hope in my life.
My enemies were all around me…they were closing in…they were seeking to destroy me! Fear, pressure, intimidation, depression, hopelessness…these were my enemies! Enemies that stalked me each day, enemies that I did not recognise because they were so familiar, so much a part of me, enemies that sought to destroy me.
What a revelation! What a wonderful release from a lifetime of entrapment! I recognised the principal players in my mental downfall and I named every one of them out loud as I walked back to the house – knowing that they would never again hide under the cloak of familiarity. Unmasking every evil one filled me with anger, then tears, then joy!
My enemy was no longer hidden behind the trees because now I could see the forest. I felt the breath of freedom sweep through my tortured mind and the lying manacles of almost five decades fell crashing to the foot of the Cross. Jesus had set me free.
It has been two months since that experience and my life has become one that I would never have imagined. I wake in the night smiling – yes, smiling! My step has a skip in it, the worries that consumed me before no longer bring me grief and I am confident in the woman I am.
But the thing that stands out most? My family have the best part of me at last, and it is good. The wife and mother I offer them today is a new creation, finally set free from her enemies. The house is filled with new laughter and there is a casually relaxed atmosphere that just 'breathes' in every room.
May the Lord bless you today with fresh eyes to see the enemies that rob you of the life He wants you to have, and the courage to name them and throw them down at His feet.
Comments
Aug. 2, 2007 - Praise God
Posted by 2boysmom
This message is my devotional for the day! I love when God reveals himself to us on such a personal level. When He releases us from the snares and frees us, so we can be whole and have the abundant life He promised - it is good!
Keep living in freedom!
Debbie
Aug. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jugglingpaynes
Jennie,
I learn so much through your experiences! You are an inspiration. Sometimes I need to be reminded of this. It's funny, whenever I'm in need of hearing it, someone speaks of it! God speaks to me through the love of my family and friends. (I hope that made sense. Sometimes I can't get the words to express properly what I mean.)
Peace and Laughter,
Aug. 3, 2007 - Lovely, Jen!
Posted by paminoz
One other reason I love reading the Psalms is thinking how much they must have meant to Jesus. They are amazing on so many levels- first revealing David's (and the others') heart for God; then what Jesus must have drawn from them and then us being able to read them and say Amen, too! Oh, and I guess when you factor in what a comfort and challenge they have been down through the ages, then that's another dimension, too.
Like the new look blog!
Pam
Aug. 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
What an amazing and special revelation you have had... that is the power of the Cross ~ and you will NEVER be the same again! I loved it... thank you for sharing that...
Blessings and may God continue to open up His Word to you in such a wonderful way.
Amanda
Aug. 5, 2007 - So glad
Posted by Pickle
I'm so glad you have found a lovely place to live! It looks wonderful, and great to hear all God is doing in your family. Thanks for your comment welcoming little Micah. I've been meaning to thank you before but... new babies consume a lot of time! Did you make the waistcoat you are wearing in the picture? I love the colours.
Aug. 7, 2007 - Wow!
Posted by Anonymous
I've sat here this evening and read post after post on your blog. It has been a wonderful experience for me. You're a very gifted writer. Just as you told about in this post, I too have been facing my enemies. Isn't it funny how Satan can take something small and make it a huge thorn in our sides. Just yesterday I faced one of my giants. I too feel like a new person today.
I'm adding your blog to my friend's list b/c I know for sure I'll be back to visit often.
BTW, I found your blog from your post on AmbleRamble.
Blessings!
Tammy
http://3littleladies.blogspot.com/
Aug. 7, 2007 - I am very grateful...
Posted by withajoyfulheart
Jenny,
I found the link to your blog thru an AmbleRamble message...I do not always follow links but I am very grateful that I did today.
Thank you so much for this message. These too are my enemies. I have been struggling with them, and succombing to them especially over the last two days. Praise God for speaking to me through you. Isn't He just AWESOME!
God bless!
Shari
Aug. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by usaoz89
Hi Jenny,
Knowing your journey I can just smell the fresh air and hear the laughter from here.
You deserve all that he gives you for walking thru the wilderness and still praising him!!!!
>>>>>May the Lord bless you today with fresh eyes to see the enemies that rob you of the life He wants you to have, and the courage to name them and throw them down at His feet.<<<<<
These words are beautiful and made me remember were my hear should be.
What a beautiful lesson it is to us all.
Karen in Melbourne
Aug. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by usaoz89
Hi Jenny,
Knowing your journey I can just smell the fresh air and hear the laughter from here.
You deserve all that he gives you for walking thru the wilderness and still praising him!!!!
>>>>>May the Lord bless you today with fresh eyes to see the enemies that rob you of the life He wants you to have, and the courage to name them and throw them down at His feet.<<<<<
These words are beautiful and made me remember were my heart should be.
What a beautiful lesson it is to us all.
Thank You
Karen in Melbourne
