From Broken Vows to Healed Hearts

 

Excerpt from the book From Broken Vows to Healed Hearts by Rebecca Mitchell

Finding Healing in Psalm 23

Read Psalm 23 and, in verse 4, underline what the Shepherd does when the sheep are most vulnerable.

Seeking God First—Look at Me

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (Ps. 25:15)

On a television show I watched a rescue at the scene of a serious automobile accident. The vehicle was upside down in a ditch, and firefighters had the difficult task of prying open a door to reach the woman trapped inside. Fire broke out and fuel began dripping near her head. She began to scream in panic. A paramedic dropped to the ground to get face-to-face with her, addressed her by name and beseeched, “Look at me. I know it’s scary, but we know what we’re doing. We are going to extricate you safely.”

In the midst of a divorce, we often feel similarly desperate and panicky. We feel trapped and helpless and see no means of escaping imminent destruction. We might even scream. We hear statements such as, “Things will get better.” But in fact things seem to get worse.

Picturing this rescue scene calms me as I envision God helping me. In my current difficulties, as well as the future ones I am sure to encounter, I can imagine God addressing me by name and acknowledging, not minimizing, the trial I am enduring. He knows how to extricate me safely, but I have to pay attention and trust that He is willing and able to do it. I have to stay focused on Him and not give way to panic.

I am learning to be completely honest about my fears and desperation. Many times I feel helpless, lost, and powerless. But I am best able to recognize my need for help and turn to God in those times. I imagine Him sitting next to me, lifting my head by my chin, locking His eyes on mine, and saying urgently but gently, “Becky, look at Me. I am right here. I will help you through this. It’s going to be okay. Do not focus on the turmoil around you. You need to keep looking straight at Me.”

God sees our tumultuous circumstances and understands our feelings of desperation. He asks us to trust Him to rescue us. He will do it in all tenderness and strength. He will lead us to a pleasant place of rest, near quiet waters.

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (1 Chron. 16:11)

Talking to God

“Lord, I don’t know what my future holds, but You do. You know me, and You hold my life in Your hands. Help me to seek Your face, to trust You, and to rely on Your strength when I am afraid. You are my ever-present help in trouble.”

Journaling with God

1. What specific circumstances have triggered feelings of helplessness in me?
2. How do I respond to those feelings?
2. How can I better seek God’s face in those circumstances?
3. If God were to gently take my chin in His hand and look me tenderly in the eyes, what would He say to me?

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From Broken Vows to Healed Hearts © Copyright 2018 by Rebecca L. Mitchell. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.