Faith Filled Fridays: In with the Old.

Daunting, impervious, dry; just a few of the worlds I once (and occasionally still) used to describe the Old Testament. It never caught my attention. There is nothing romantic about Chronicles. But Jesus, there’s romance there. And for a woman with a broken heart there’s nothing more desirable than the romance that comes from a Man who laid down His life for us.

Needless to say it was a few years into my faith before the thought of even cracking the Old Testament crossed my mind. I read the first few chapters of Genesis, I knew who Adam and Eve were, but beyond that it was a blur. I had heard of the characters, I knew the principles of the stories, and the laws presented to Moses, but my heart had not been drawn to these words. 

In hindsight I believe there was a reason I didn’t move quickly into the Old: my heart wasn’t ready. It needed the healing that only the New Testament could bring. I needed to know what Jesus’ love really meant. What it truly was to be saved. Until I understood these concepts I couldn’t move forward (or backward). If I had read the Old Testament first it would have been just that, reading. I don’t read my bible; I ingest it. I let the words soak into my soul, mulling them over until they become a part of my very being. I have been surprised by the treasures I have found in the Old Testament. I’m always amazed by God’s timing. 

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8

In a time when it seemed as though nothing was going right, and I was very distant from God, He brought me these words. He reminded me that He was ALWAYS with me, even when I forgot, or chose not to be with Him. He reminded me that there is never a reason to fear, and that’s He’s certainly not going anywhere. How blessed are we.

My prayer is that we keep these words, and this lesson, in the front of our minds. That we don’t fight God, He truly does things for a reason. That we do not fear, that we remember He will never forsake us. And that in that, we are able to find peace, accept grace and trust in Him. Amen.

I hope you all have a happy, safe and blessed weekend! 

xo, A