For years I struggled with believing that God was working in my life because I was basing my faith more on my experiences than on God’s word. Even though I had been involved in all sorts of Bible studies throughout my life, I was still relying on my feelings instead of having faith in God’s word. My biggest battle was overcoming those feelings and choosing to believe what His word said instead of my surroundings and experiences. I had to put blinders on and focus on the truth.

God’s word has so many promises in it and the more I studied about the nature of God, I began to realize that I had thought of Him for so many years as someone who sat on a throne and was there to listen to me, but not necessarily move forward with me. I began to realize that I didn’t believe that God was active. That realization stunned me. I thought I believed He was active, but I really didn’t. So, I began to look up a lot of scripture and I began to learn so many things about Him. I would like to share with you how active our God is.

“He is close by your side.” (Ps. 16:5) I can’t tell you how comforting it was to me to know that He was right there with me when I was so afraid. Most of the time I felt all alone, but I wasn’t because He tells me He is there. So when it was late at night or I was by myself, I still had Him there with me.

“He sees you and listens to your prayers.” (Ps. 34:15) It has helped me tremendously to know that He sees me amongst all the people on the earth. When I started looking at Him as my Father and the fact that He created me, it made me think that of course He would see me and know where I am. And because I am His child, He is going to listen to me and He actually wants to listen to me.

“He fights for you.” (Ex. 14:4) And He not only fights for you, He goes before you. (Deut. 1:30) I had a really hard time with this one because of the abuse. But, as I kept moving forward and studying scripture, I realized that He was fighting for me to get better and believe Him. He was also going ahead of me and giving me the tools that I needed to heal.

“He rescues you because He delights in you.” (2 Sam. 22:20) God was rescuing me from so many things like strongholds, fear, anger, bitterness, resentment, etc. I didn’t even realize I had so many issues! He had to get me to a place where I could finally start looking at the issues I had and then start dealing with them. He didn’t take me out of my bad situation, but He rescued my mind from destructive thinking. 2 Samuel 22 is full of God’s actions. He hears, He reaches down, He takes hold, He draws you out, He rewards, He saves.

I mention all of this because it was so critical for me and I think for everyone to realize that we have a God who wants to be involved in our lives. He wants to help us live our lives. He wants to teach us the best possible way to go in our lives. We need to realize that He is our advocate. I want to tell you right now that I had to turn to Him and say, “HELP! I am losing my mind and I am afraid that I am not going to make it!” He very lovingly responded to my cry and put the help I needed in front of me so I could heal. (Now that is action based on love!)

I get so mad sometimes at myself because I tried to do things on my own for so long without turning to Him and asking for help. My thinking was so ingrained in me to take care of myself, that I didn’t realize I had God right in front of me waiting for me to turn to Him and ask for help. I look back now and I can’t believe that I was so blind to the fact that God was standing right there and I didn’t see Him.

Another thing I noticed about God when I was on my search, was the fact that there were so many verses about His hands. Psalm 63:8 and Ex.15:6,12 talk about His right hand. His hand saves us, upholds us and is majestic in power to shatter the enemy. Zechariah 2:9 says that He will shake his hand against those who touch or hurt what is precious to Him. Looking at His hands made me realize that He has power but He uses His power to help us. His hands are used for good!

Beth Moore shared this in one of her studies. “When key people in your formative years were supposed to bring you security but brought insecurity instead, you inherit a tremor in your soul that is impossible to naturally still. Add to it all the times you let yourself down and fail to measure up like I did, and you’re a piece of earth in a constant quake.” I was a piece of earth in a constant quake before I realized that God was so much more than a man sitting on a throne. Studying scripture and realizing that God is so much more than I imagined, saved my life. That is why I share so much scripture with you because I want you to know that He wants to be involved in your life. If you want to know anything about Him or how He acts or moves, you need to open up the Bible and look. Before you open it up, ask Him to show you Himself. He will. It took me hours and hours of study, but it was worth it. I have to have my time with my Lord every day and I look forward to it and I actually crave being with Him. He brings me so much joy and I love listening to Him and learning from Him. He is ingrained in me now. I don’t want to live my life without Him leading the way and living it with me. I have to confess that there are still times I wander off on my own, but I have asked Him to wrangle me back quickly so I don’t go too far without Him.

There is so much to share but I would like to leave you with another Beth Moore statement. “The essence of wholeness is God winning us wholly with His affection, His truth, and His healing Word. Truly, God is our soul-ologist and pry He will, but never without loving intent.” His word has brought healing to my life and He will do the same for you. He loves you and wants you to be healed by His words. I would like to challenge you to pray, open your Bible and start your own journey into healing. I used to think that healing was immediate and there was something wrong with me because it took me so long! But, now I think differently. Sometimes healing takes time. It wasn’t pleasant and I didn’t always enjoy the process, but what He has taught me and shown me is well worth all the time it took to get where I am today. We have a very active God who wants to lead us, heal us, help us, love us and deliver us from our sins and strongholds. God is so amazing and He is worth the time to get to know! Until next time dear friends!

Psalm 16:5,7-8,11 “No, the Lord is all I need, He takes care of me. I praise the Lord because He advises me. Even at night, I feel His leading. I keep the Lord before me always because He is close by my side. I will not be hurt. You will teach me how to live a holy life. Being with you will fill me with joy. AT your right hand I will find pleasure forever.”