Chains be broken!

One of my passions, one of the things that makes me come alive is ministering to people when they are being attacked or in a low place. Using the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit to cut chains, break them free. The Truth sets them free from the bondage. Bringing them into the light and the Truth. Sharing scripture...the Lord using me as a vessel, an available messenger to dig into the Word when they are too bound up to do so. WOW! Yesterday I was reading Psalm 34 after my friend texted me a verse from it. Then another friend texted me several times about her grandfather passing away and many attacks coming against her.

The Lord guided my eyes over to Psalm 35 and let me just tell you...it was exactly what this friend was going through. I began reading it and with each verse, I got more and more enthralled and excited to share it with her. I could not contain myself. At first I was going to pick a few verses and text them to her and also just tell her to read the whole thing. But I know (from experience) that in those dark places of grief we need someone to spoon feed us. I knew I could not pick a few verses...the whole thing, in it's entirety, was perfect for her. So I picked up the phone and just called. I was just going to read it over her voicemail...but then she surprisingly answered...crying. : ( It broke my heart to hear her in this much pain and sadness. But I was honored that the Lord would let me come alongside her in her suffering.

I know there have been many times when I would just cry on a friends shoulder and their simple presence, just listening to me cry was so powerful. So I listened...hanging onto each and every word and cry she uttered. When the right time came, the Lord prompted me to share the Psalm with her. I first asked her if it would be alright...if she was in a space to receive it. I wanted to respect her boundaries and where she was emotionally. I know there is a time to speak and a time to listen...so I let my words be few and when the time was right I let God do the speaking. I was thrilled when she said yes. I could tell by the tone of her voice that she wanted it. She was hungering for the truth! I didn't study communications and nonverbal language in college for nothing. The tone says everything. It is not so much what we say, but how we say it that makes all the difference. I know I am going off on a tangent...bear with me...it is my A.D.D.

So her tone and her quick reply, coupled with the Holy Spirits leading was the perfect segue. I began reading it to her and as I read it I could hear her crying. It sounded to me like they were tears of relief and hope. Like something was being released from her. Like chains were being broken as she heard the Lord speaking directly to her. It was incredible. I felt the power going through me as I read it aloud. It was not me, I do not get any credit...I was merely an available vessel for the Lord to speak through to His hurting, broken daughter. I can't even explain the exchange we had over the phone...it was incredible. The difference in her voice and even in the way she was crying from the beginning of the phone call to the end was undeniably evident. Glory to God!!!! Victory in Christ!!!! The TRUTH sets us free! His Word is living and active...it came alive before my eyes and spoke directly to us in His perfect timing.

"His faithful promises are your armor and your protection" Psalm 91:4 : )

Psalm 35

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid....say to my soul 'I am your salvation' Psalm 35:1-3

Attackers gathered against me when I was unaware, they slandered me without ceasing(v. 15)...Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions (v.17)

O Lord, you have seen this, be not silent, Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, O Lord my God (v. 22-24