“But when we reach the end of our chase, weighed down by our loneliness, exhaustion, or shame, Jesus doesn’t scold or shame us. Rather, he sits by the well and says, ‘I can . . . give you a new kind of love, joy, peace, and happiness that you can’t get from any other person or possession.”- Bob Merritt
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”- Psalm 40:2 (NIV)
In Chapter 8 (“Turning Points”) of Done With That, Bob Merritt notes that we keep things hidden because (a) we’re ashamed of them and (b) we don’t want anyone to know. Consequently, what you conceal grows and eats away at your soul. Furthermore, as long as things stay hidden, they hold power over you. Then they begin to crush you.
Therefore, it’s tempting to look to something other than God to satisfy you. And, once you get what you’re chasing, the newness and thrill soon wear off. Then the line moves – and the chase continues. Because our chase of the wrong thing never satisfies.
Thus, like the Samaritan woman at the well, we must look to Jesus to quench our thirst for wholeness. Hence, Pastor Merritt explains this spiritual turning point:
“When God meets us at the well and offers freedom from the old life of sin and shame, we can either turn toward Him or run away from Him. If you find yourself standing at the same empty place you’ve come to a thousand times before but this time God meets you there — what will you do? This could be your spiritual turning point, and it could change you forever.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures support us when we reach the end of our chase? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The new life – not a destination”