“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound..”
(Isaiah 61:1, AMP)
Because of the hurt I’ve experienced during my childhood years, I had (and still do have) some trust issues. I have some reservations when it comes to allowing someone into my circle, my space. In certain relationships, I only trust that person so far. I guess you can say that it is not really a relationship. But I don’t allow myself to openly give all my trust away because, eventually, that person will misuse it. Well, that’s what I believed.
You know the saying, “I’ll give you just enough rope to hang yourself” or “Give em time because eventually she or he will mess up.” Well, that was my mantra when it came to relationships and friendships. And it seemed those statements were proven true 80-90% of the time. Soon, when that person had enough rope, her/his character and actions would confirm that they were indeed untrustworthy. On the other hand, there were times when I didn’t see that person’s deceitfulness. Those times when I did let my guard down, I ended up slowly but surely being misled. Of course, after that happens, another wall was built to replace the broken one, but this time more fortified and stronger than before.
But even though I had some trust issues, and even though I had this fortified wall erected to protect my heart from the outside world, there was someone who would break down those barriers. I found someone whose love would penetrate right through my stoned wall. His love kept coming back, and keeps coming back. I found someone who would love away the fear of being hurt, the fear of being misused and rejected. His love would totally heal the scars and open wounds brought on by past hurts. I found someone who I could truly trust. One who would keep His Word and wouldn’t be fickle or wishy washy. I found someone whose Word was trustworthy and His love was gentle and patient with me.
Bit by bit, brick by brick, layer upon layer, my Savior gently pulled down my wall. He knocked down those insecurities and fear. He showed me that I can believe in Him, trust in His friendship, and trust in His love. Jesus assured me that He was dependable and would never hurt me, but would always love me in spite of the many mistakes that I’d make. He would love me for me, not for what I did, not for who I was nor what I had, but love me for me. Beautiful!
“For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior,
Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” (Luke 2:11, AMP)
Jesus showed the world what real love is by coming as a baby and living a perfect life. He gave His perfect life to a messed up and imperfect world. His love heals the broken heart, the fragile heart, and the wounded soul. His love sets captives free and breaks down walls.
Do you have some reservations about relationships? Some uncertainties and insecurities? Some fears about what tomorrow may bring? Well, you and I can have confidence in the Savior. Jesus can be trusted, and we can be certain that we’re protected and loved by Him.
My sister, tis the season to receive the love and protection that only our Heavenly Father gives through His Son, Jesus Christ. But this love isn’t just for the season, it’s for a lifetime!
May your holidays be filled with Christ’s magnificent and amazing love!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
During your Quiet Time, MEDITATE on God’s Word. WATCH to today’s music video. Allow these things to encourage you to walking in freedom!
LET’S WALK IN FREEDOM TOGETHER & IMPACT THE WORLD!
Rhovonda L. Brown is speaker and author of two bestsellers, Walking in Freedom!: A Thirty-Day Devotional Journey for Women and At Least Say, “Thank You!”: An 8-Day Devotional Plan for a Grateful Heart.
Copyright ©2010-2016. Rhovonda L. Brown. All Rights Reserved.