Proverbs 20:30 Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.
Psalm 55:6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. 8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. The psalmist David was expressing a feeling we have all felt and wished to be able to do at some time. Oh, that I had wings, and could fly away from all the problems that in most cases, I created.
If I had wings, I would fly away to a quiet place, where I would not have to face the deep hurts I have caused. If I had wings, I would fly from the condemnation plaguing my soul all day long. If I had wings, I would glide over the pains that cut my heart every time I think of the betrayal that was orchestrated against me. If I had wings, I would go back in time and repair the multiple events that brought me to this point of agony. Oh, that I had wings!
Perhaps the reason God gave us the law of gravity, rather than the ability to fly, is to make sure we stay in place and meet our problems head-on. Painful and tearful experiences will come. There is no getting around this fact. If you are human, you will experience hurt, betrayal, pain, and suffering. This is not always a negative thing. Sometimes it takes a blunt or traumatic event to jerk us out of the self-absorption we find ourselves in. This sudden awakening can cause us to face the reality that needs our full attention. Prov. 20;30 Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.
Recently, I had to repent, change my mind, and ask for forgiveness for events that were brought to my attention because of the choices I had made for my family many years ago. Was I wrong in what I had done? This is not the point. The point is that some family members felt I had caused some hurtful and traumatic events in their lives. If not for God’s grace and His direction for me to take responsibility for my actions, I truly would have preferred to fly away. My heart was crying, “Oh that I had wings, I would fly away to a dry place with no tears.”
I can either argue with the statements being made about my behaviour or bring healing to the hearts that are suffering. The question for healing becomes, “Do I want to be right or do I want to be righteous?” Gal. 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
God has admonished us to ask for His help in every part of our lives. Psalm 50:15 And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. In most cases, when we find ourselves in these deep emotional situations, we panic and flounder around until we ask God to help us through our self-made mess. Thank God for His faithfulness toward us. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. My God was found in my time of trouble, and He delivered me with His righteousness. Thank you, Lord, that my apology was accepted, and I was forgiven. Thank you, heavenly Father, for giving me the ability to put on your wings.
Great article Norm!
I pray you have a great Easter with your family.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Amen. God chose righteousness for us and we do the same in Jesus name.
Thank you for reinforcing truth even when it hurts. "Do I want to be right or do I want to be righteous?" may we always have the humility to act righteously and so impact others for God.