“I’m so quick to remember others’ hurtful words but slow to remember God’s healing words. . . . We must let God’s Word become the words we park our minds and hearts on.”- Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst concludes Chapter 4 of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way as she talks about the root of the fear of exposure. When we fear exposure, Ms. TerKeurst observes, we believe that when we’re stripped of all our props and pretentions we lose the best parts of ourselves. In reality, Lysa states, what’s best about us comes to the forefront when we find ourselves closet to the way God created us. Naked and unashamed. Completely unafraid.
Therefore, the only opinion we need to contend with is the absolute love of God Himself. Hence, to dwell well in this life between the two gardens requires us to make peace with being naked and unashamed. Not necessarily, the author points out, for the world to see. But just between you and God.
Yet, just like Adam and Eve, we want to run, cover up, and hide. Yet, Lysa notes, look at the first two questions God asked Adam after he ate the forbidden fruit:
- “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
- “Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11)
Of course, God knew the answers to His questions. Rather, He posed those questions to Adam to enable him to process what just happened as he collected, responded, and ultimately repented through confession. And just as God expressed tenderness to Adam and Eve, Ms. TerKeurst exhorts, don’t miss God’s tenderness for you.
Finally, set your mind and heart on things above. Choose to remember, repeat, and believe God’s words about you. And receive them as truth.
Today’s question: When have you been slow to remember God’s healing words? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Facing the future in teaspoons of time”
