Apples of Gold

Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, I am slipping! But your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:17-19

Several years back, many more than I would care to admit, my husband ventured out into the bitterly cold weather on a wintery morning in Maine. As was common on days like this, the driveway was coated with a thick layer of ice, his foot slipped and suddenly he found himself up close and personal with the ground. His first thought was “What did I do to deserve this”? 

Well, likely he wasn’t paying careful attention to his steps. Perhaps he was in a hurry or distracted by the many tasks that were awaiting him that day. This was not some cosmic vengeance for failing to attain a lofty goal, but rather, the direct result of haste meeting ice, literally.  

Although it is a struggle to admit it, many of the difficulties that we face we actually bring on ourselves. We like to blame the cupcake for tasting so good and thus causing unwanted weight gain.  We often look for someone or something other than ourselves to pin blame on. 

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Proverbs 19:3 

–Or the enemy. The devil actually gets credit for many things that he has little or nothing to do with. He might be a casual observer, scarfing down popcorn and soda, enjoying the show, watching the drama unfold and feeling no need to get involved. 

There are real and awful things that happen everyday as a result of living in a fallen world. There are also real and awful things that happen everyday as a result of our own stubbornness and lack of self-control. Some of the things we blame on God, the enemy, or on those around us, actually belongs to us! Our reactions, even our hidden heart reactions, can give the devil an opportunity to wreak havoc on our situation. 

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27

I was washing the coffee pot a few days ago and noticed a small crack in the glass. I attempted to gently assess the crack and my light touch shattered the glass and sliced into my thumb. I was startled and very surprised that such a slight contact could have such a powerful impact. 

A tiny rock, leaving a barely noticeable chip in your windshield can quickly spread with a slight bump or even change in temperature that leaves you with a shattered windshield and a lighter wallet.  The impact of a crack on the structural integrity of glass is significant. That tiny rock created a foothold. 

When we find ourselves in less than pleasant circumstances, before we search the horizon for someone to blame, we need to search our own hearts. Perhaps, What did I do to deserve this?, isn’t always a flawed question. Could my friends withdrawal having anything to do with the fact that I lashed out irrationally at them at the end of a frustrating week? Am I stressed and overwhelmed because I procrastinated just a little bit too long and now the deadline is pressing in on me? Did I give the enemy a foothold by disobeying the Word of God? 

Here’s some solid advice from Jesus, himself:

If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15

The guidelines set out for us in the Word of God are not merely a set of rules that we should attempt to follow. They are there for our safety and benefit. Treating others with kindness and respect, forgiving, apologizing, sacrificing for God and each other, all of these do a work in our own hearts and in the hearts and lives of those around us, even if they refuse to admit it-they notice. 

The question we should all consider is: Could some of the tough things we are experiencing be a result of our own choices and behavior? When we willfully disobey, or haphazardly ignore Scriptural principles we are opening up a foothold for the enemy. If we do not address these issues directly when we are made aware of their existence the potential for rapid escalation multiplies at a terrifying pace. 

Thankfully the solution can take effect just as quickly. A humble apology, an admission of fault, a repentant heart can turn the tables in an instant. Rarely is contrition met with a heartless rebuff. Regardless of the response of others, our hearts should long to be clear before God.

Perhaps this old hymn written by Charles Tindley sums it up best:

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor,

Keep the way clear! Let nothing between