5-15-2024

Good Morning All,

Job 19:2; “How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words?”

    There is not much in this world that is more painful than to be tormented by someone.  We may call it bullying or we may call it harassment but it all hurts.  It hurts on the playground; it hurts in the classroom and the workplace.  It hurts in the home where families attack and shred each other.  It hurts our heart and our soul just as much, perhaps even more, than physical slaps and punches.  External wounds are seen by others and some compassion may arise.  Yet words of torment cause hidden wounds which are not easily seen by any so linger unhealed for a long time.

      The devil loves to torment us.  It is his favorite pastime.  He hides nearby and with whispers so soft but stinging in tone he whispers to us, “GUILTY!!! GUILTY!!!” “UNWORTHY!!”  “YOU HAVE NO VALUE!!”  He loves to come late at night when sleep eludes us, but exhaustion is at hand.  He hits us with words and accusations which torment us without mercy.  We feel alone, helpless and lost.  We are right where the devil wants us; we are tormented and tormented and the pain continues to grow.

     So, when God saw how the devil tormented us; he launched a plan that would bring about our healing.  He began a plan that would take all of the bite out of the devil’s attacks and assaults.  God sent his son to take all of the power in the devil’s assaults and carry them on his back to his grave and then leave them there.  He left all of the devil’s power in the tomb and when Jesus walked out of that tomb; the power of the devil stayed.  It stayed buried in that tomb.  Now Jesus comes to us speaking to us in a loving voice telling us that we are, “FORGIVEN! FORGIVEN!  FORGIVEN!”  He speaks to us with words of love that we may be healed.  Our painful past can be left there as we look forward to a new start each day; comforted by his love and consoled by his mercy.

    The devil still scowls and hurls his insults, but they do not have to stick.  When he calls us “guilty” we can answer “forgiven.”  When he calls us “unworthy” we can answer “redeemed by the Son.”  When he calls us “unloved” we can answer “we are children of God.”  We cling to God’s mercy like a child clings to his loving parent.  The devil’s torments can only hurt when we let them.  They can only hurt when we let loose from God and stop listening to Jesus as he tells us “forgiven” and we listen to the devil call us “guilty.”  Trust in God’s most wonderful mercy.  Trust in his words of hope and receive his healing. 

Father of all mercies, too many nights I cannot find peace.  The devil torments me and I listen.  Give me the strength of faith to turn away from his lies and hear your sweet words of forgiveness.  Guide me by your Spirit to cling only to you.  Father, as many are attacked by the devil, help them with his torment.  Help them, comfort them, and relieve their suffering.  Bring them your peace and holy rest.  Through Jesus our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret