Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Jesus in the Pit

My knees gave out as I walked inside the house. No longer could I bear the weight of the hurt. I dropped to the floor bursting in tears as the pain ripped throughout my body. Distraught, Dad rushed toward me. My world faded before my eyes. He held me all night as I suffered from a broken heart. He knew more than anyone how time would help heal my wound, but in the moment pain was all I knew.

My heart took another hit at the sight of my diamond ring. Strange how it seemed to dull in brilliance as each moment passed. Was this really happening? Was this real? Grief welled up and more tears flowed. He did this—to me.

It wasn’t fair.

His gift was a promise to love me forever. He was my everything. He was my security and my hope. He was my rescuer. I believed his love would fix me. My very soul was bound to this man. He was my savior. How would I ever live without him? If he didn’t love me—I would surely die.

Days and nights blurred together as sorrow led my steps. Tears clouded my vision. Rebellion drove me deeper into the dark pit. I needed help. Where do I go? Despite the many friendships I had long abandoned there was one who listened to my troubles. She took me to the one place help was guaranteed.

Sitting in a converted church of a school gymnasium I clung to every word the pastor spoke. A broken heart became a passageway for heaven to enter in. Freedom, forgiveness and healing—I wanted it all. “Lord, I surrender.”

Right before my eyes He stepped into my pit. His glistening garments lit up the walls marked with heartbreak, pain, and rebellion. It wasn’t until that moment did I realize how dirty and tattered I had become. Without any mention of my appearance He scooped me up in His arms and effortlessly stepped out into the light and set me on my feet. I immediately noticed the transformation in my attire. Made of the richest fabrics my gown glowed. How could this be? For the first time I looked up at His face seeking an answer to this mystery. He looked not at me, but to the horizon. As I followed His gaze His answer became clear.

My heart froze at the sight of the cross. Strange how doom faded into hope as each moment passed. This really happened. This was real. Gratitude welled up and more tears flowed. He did this—for me.

Considering the cost, it really wasn’t fair—yet still…

His sacrifice was a promise to love me forever. He is my everything. He is my security and my hope. He is my Redeemer. I know His love heals me. My very destiny is determined by this Man. He is my Savior. I will never live without Him. Because He loves me—I will surely live.

Will you invite Jesus into your pit?


Reflective Scriptures

I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. 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. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:1-3

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10


Soaking Music

Why? by Nichole Nordeman

Love Came Down by Brian Johnson

8 comments:

  1. That was a beautiful observation how we can allow people/things to become more important to us than what Christ has done for us. Sometimes it takes going into that pit to be able to look up and see him standing there; because he was there all the time loving us even when we ignore him and look to everyone and everything else to satisfy. JESUS is the only one who can truly satisfy!

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  2. Wow Laura, thank you for sharing so honestly and beautifully about a (too-common) journey of pain and rejection that is so often not talked about. I am overjoyed to join with you in the truth that the one who walked away was not the One that was and is the most important man in my life. But if not for the extravagant love of my Jesus I would be living a drastically different life today!!

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  3. I want 2 thx u 4 putting me on ur email list. This is o so very true. Love 2 know that I am not the only 1 to feel these feelings or going thur this type of pain. Blessings 2 u & the guys.

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  4. I could feel every moment you mentioned except the part of your earthly Dad rushing toward you and holding you. How precious that was and how rare it is. I am so thankful you share your journey with us. It is healing! Keep writing!

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  5. What a sweet admission of how much you needed Christ to get you through that time. And what a poignant reminder to all of us we need Him just as badly. Thank you, Laura, you are truly a blessing. This was beautifully expressed, I appreciate the truth of your feelings and experience with our Lord.

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  6. I love the illustration in the new attire! Yes, the finest fabrics. Thank you for your honesty in your writing!

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  7. I am so very happy that your dad was there to comfort you during that time. I hope to think that the person that did this to you realizes over time what he put you through. Thank you for sharing this story.

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  8. Thank you everyone for sharing your heart on this post. It was tender memory to share of God's great restoration in my life. May He bring restoration in yours as well.

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