By: Gen. Jim — 5/30/19
The doctors tell you this just before they start a painful body probe. The dentist, surgeon, chiropractors, etc. all tell us “just relax!” But inward panic grows. Ever had this experience? The surgeon’s “chainsaw’ dubbed an “epidermal tissue disruptor,” one’s misgivings seem totally justified.
But lets talk about the spirit realm. Same experiences take place: dread, fear, panic; “hope this doesn’t hurt!”
When were terrified/terrorized, encouragement to RELAX seems really out of place. When we get into hard places that are life threatening, relaxing seems far, far away from reality. I remember the time when we (Deborah and our 2 small children) were out in the middle of nowhere (but somewhere to the Colombians in South America, at a contraband part far from the police/army!), the captain of the port put a pistol to my wife’s head and demanded all our $$. I had both defiance and terror well up in me (write for this adventure in our “The Necks of our Enemies” publication). Relax? Out of the question! No Way! But we’re still alive to tell you about it.
I love what Psalms 116:7 says: “Return to your rest, O my soul; for the Lord has vindicated you.” Many times we will not find rest or peace UNTIL God has vindicated us… until then, we have little rest or peace. The Psalmist was in a terrorizing place: “The cords of DEATH encircled me, and the pains of Sheol took hold of me; I found TROUBLE and SORROW” (v.3).
Someday God will vindicate our Shim Ra Na Ekklesia. Until then we must hold fast our faith in Him. Every human instinct wants to fight back, get even, but I’m always reminded (by the Spirit) that “O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs… shine forth” (Psalms 94:1). Hebrews 10:30 tells us that “vengeance is Mine… I will repay.” (See also Deuteronomy 32:35; Nahum 1:2,3).
When we, albeit reluctantly, allow ourselves to feel pain/persecution, we must try to relax knowing that all things are in His hand. We can fight best when we’ve committed all things into His hands.
“Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You” (Psalms 39:7). Verse 8 says, “Deliver me from all my transgressions…” Though our bodies waste away because of sufferings, our inward man (reborn spirit) is being renewed day-by-day, waiting for the redemption of our bodies to enjoy eternity. (See 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:1). His Holy Spirit is our guarantee (2 Corinthians 5:5). When we feel spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally EXHAUSTED! Distress while fighting off death! We must learn to give our burdens over to the Lord. I know we don’t always do this but we’re not cowards if we do. We’re just saving energy for the next assault.
