"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."--Proverbs 14:12(NKJV)
Hebrew Word Study
way: H1870--derek: road, journey, path, direction, manner, habit, course of life
right: H3477--yashar: correct, right, pleasing, fitting, proper
death: H4194--maveth: death, destruction, ruin
It's a dramatic narrative that we see played out all too often in a movie, a TV show, a play, a book--someone who is hurting, broken, or wounded searching for relief, comfort, and/or some sort of revenge. But, perhaps, we should bring it a little closer to where we are in our lives. If we keep it real, if we keep it 100, if we are honest no one wants to feel hurt. Rejection, abandonment, abuse, neglect, humiliation, and shaming deeply wounds the human soul. And, when we are wounded, we are vulnerable and we are prey. Human brokenness is prime time for the enemy. Grieving the loss of a loved one is also a time a vulnerability. It is prudent to be extremely cautious about where we turn to whom we turn to for comfort. The enemy's entire effort is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) and to impede our relationship with God. Therefore, it is critical that we know WHO is our very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
In times of distress, it's not uncommon to look for ways to soothe, ease, or avenge pain independent of God. This human effort dates back to the Garden of Eden after the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). When a loving Father asked Adam where he was spiritually, he endeavored to hide himself from God and use human effort to self-protect. Sans God, there is no victory nor we will never experience the enduring peace, health, healing, wholeness, and wellness that comes with a personal relationship with God.
So, beware! There is a way to overcome emotional anguish that seems right, but it only seems that way. It is an intricate and sophisticated illusion targeted to get your attention and to get you far from God. It is the way to destruction and utter ruin. The enemy will always send a counterfeit that will seemingly offer what only God can provide and the Bible gives many accounts of such. Witches, soothsayers, magicians, necromancers--all of whom are an abomination to God-- attempted to mimic His miraculous power:
As Christians and believers in Messiah, we are strictly forbidden to have any interaction with such (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). We invite oppression, fear, and torment (I John 4:18) into our lives when we interact with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) and go against the precepts of God.
If you are in a place of emotional pain and distress today, please do not be duped by the enemy! Hear, heed, and receive the Good News!
God:
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that you are the true and living God. You are the Lord and beside you there is no other (Isaiah 45:5). There is no one greater than you! You are exalted above the heavens and the earth (Psalm 57:11). We thank you for your word that is true and eternal. You exalt your word above name (Psalm 138:2). We reverence you as The Almighty and the great I AM. We bring our hearts before you--every wound, every pain. We give you the toxic parts of ourselves--the venomous rage, the bitterness, the offenses, the indifference, the vindictiveness--we lay it at your feet. We receive your love, your healing, your mercy, your redemption, your comfort, your compassion, and your care. We decree that your word is alive and at work in our lives. We thank you that we walk in supernatural wholeness and wellness because of the Blood of Jesus that has been shed to bring us deliverance, healing, and a life of abundance. Amen, and so be it according to the Word of God!
way: H1870--derek: road, journey, path, direction, manner, habit, course of life
right: H3477--yashar: correct, right, pleasing, fitting, proper
death: H4194--maveth: death, destruction, ruin
It's a dramatic narrative that we see played out all too often in a movie, a TV show, a play, a book--someone who is hurting, broken, or wounded searching for relief, comfort, and/or some sort of revenge. But, perhaps, we should bring it a little closer to where we are in our lives. If we keep it real, if we keep it 100, if we are honest no one wants to feel hurt. Rejection, abandonment, abuse, neglect, humiliation, and shaming deeply wounds the human soul. And, when we are wounded, we are vulnerable and we are prey. Human brokenness is prime time for the enemy. Grieving the loss of a loved one is also a time a vulnerability. It is prudent to be extremely cautious about where we turn to whom we turn to for comfort. The enemy's entire effort is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) and to impede our relationship with God. Therefore, it is critical that we know WHO is our very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
In times of distress, it's not uncommon to look for ways to soothe, ease, or avenge pain independent of God. This human effort dates back to the Garden of Eden after the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). When a loving Father asked Adam where he was spiritually, he endeavored to hide himself from God and use human effort to self-protect. Sans God, there is no victory nor we will never experience the enduring peace, health, healing, wholeness, and wellness that comes with a personal relationship with God.
So, beware! There is a way to overcome emotional anguish that seems right, but it only seems that way. It is an intricate and sophisticated illusion targeted to get your attention and to get you far from God. It is the way to destruction and utter ruin. The enemy will always send a counterfeit that will seemingly offer what only God can provide and the Bible gives many accounts of such. Witches, soothsayers, magicians, necromancers--all of whom are an abomination to God-- attempted to mimic His miraculous power:
- Jambres and Jannes (Pharoah's magicians): Exodus 7-9, 2 Timothy 3:8
- Witch of Endor: I Samuel 28
- Simon the Sorcerer: Acts 13
- Damsel with spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-18)
As Christians and believers in Messiah, we are strictly forbidden to have any interaction with such (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). We invite oppression, fear, and torment (I John 4:18) into our lives when we interact with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) and go against the precepts of God.
If you are in a place of emotional pain and distress today, please do not be duped by the enemy! Hear, heed, and receive the Good News!
God:
- Binds up the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3)
- Heals emotionally wounded (Psalm 147:3)
- Gives beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3)
- Restores the human soul (Psalm 23:3)
- Leads us in the path of righteousness (Psalm 23:3)
- He lifts our heads (Psalm 3:3)
- Vengeance belongs to him (Romans 12:19)
- He gives us abundant life (John 10:10)
- He desires that our souls prosper (3 John 1:2)
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that you are the true and living God. You are the Lord and beside you there is no other (Isaiah 45:5). There is no one greater than you! You are exalted above the heavens and the earth (Psalm 57:11). We thank you for your word that is true and eternal. You exalt your word above name (Psalm 138:2). We reverence you as The Almighty and the great I AM. We bring our hearts before you--every wound, every pain. We give you the toxic parts of ourselves--the venomous rage, the bitterness, the offenses, the indifference, the vindictiveness--we lay it at your feet. We receive your love, your healing, your mercy, your redemption, your comfort, your compassion, and your care. We decree that your word is alive and at work in our lives. We thank you that we walk in supernatural wholeness and wellness because of the Blood of Jesus that has been shed to bring us deliverance, healing, and a life of abundance. Amen, and so be it according to the Word of God!
