Have you ever felt trapped beyond escape by someone or something completely beyond your control? Ever felt locked in by a disease or an addiction, the traffic or a relationship, a really stupid choice or a really stupid world? Instead of raging or retreating, try calling the Gate Crasher.
Here’s what the psalmist said about Him:
There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Prisoners in misery and chains,
Because they had rebelled against the words of God
And spurned the counsel of the Most High.
Therefore He humbled their heart with labor;
They stumbled and there was none to help.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death
And broke their bands apart.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
For He has shattered gates of bronze
And cut bars of iron asunder.
(Psalm 107:10-17)
Today I celebrate my God, the Gate Crasher!
Iron Breaker!
Chain Buster!
He’s mighty to save the least of us who call on Him from the pits of our despair and bondage.
What iron, you ask?
What gates?
The children of Israel had experienced bondage because of their rebellion. No doubt the bondage referred to here was the political/military kind. They were whipped, and God let it happen.
What does that have to do with you and me? We get ourselves into bondage, too. Maybe if you have the same issues they had, it’s evidence that you’re in some kind of bondage:
1. Darkness.
Philosophically and literally, the absence of light. A spirit of confusion, and lack of direction or understanding. A complete environment of despair.
2. In the shadow of death.
Flirting with and skirting around death; living in a culture of death.
3. Prisoners.
Total loss of real control. No apparent ability to escape.
4. Misery.
The illusion of freedom and self-will has become complete unhappiness and despair. Everywhere they turned, it only led to more unhappiness.
If you’re feeling tired and trapped, a prisoner of your own or somebody else’s making, do what the Israelis did. Cry out to God.
“I don’t deserve His help.”
Uh huh. That’s why they call it grace.
“I don’t want His help.”
Then you’ll remain a miserable prisoner in the dark shadow of death. Cheers!
“Okay, I need it.”
Then call. On Him. And Him alone.
Brace yourself. We’re not talking about a weak-willed sissy-god. You’re calling on the omnipotent Gate Crasher. The immortal Iron Breaker.
His light is piercing, and darkness flees.
His life is eternal, and death is no more.
His freedom is “indeed,” putting captors to flight.
His joy is unspeakable, and full of glory.
His covenant love is full of wonder, and all His works will praise His name.
Lift up your fears, your bonds, your cares. Your Chain Buster is on the job!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for this! it’s good to hear a message that God sets prisoners free – even though the prisoners deserved to be where they were. we are not total victims waiting for God to be our superhero . . . but he rescues us anyway. ah! it should make me feel so dirty, but instead i feel clean – and humble.
Carissa,
Thank God it doesn’t add up to what we’ve accumulated on a scoreboard! I so appreciate you encouragement. It sure seems as though the Lord saves His most miraculous stuff for those who deserve it the least.