Recently, after listening to our pastor teach on offense, I began praying a scripture he suggested found in the book of Psalms.
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (Ps 139:23)
As I began to pray this scripture over myself daily, God led me to another scripture.
But you shall live by your sword, and serve your brother; However, it shall come to pass when you break loose, from your anger and hatred, that you will tear his yoke off your neck, and you will be free of him. Genesis 27:40 AMP
This one stopped me in my tracks. God began to show me some issues in my heart concerning people who had been dishonest with me many times. I had prayed for these people but, apparently, still held some sort of offense. It was subtle, and I was thankful God had revealed this to me.
Breaking free from the bondages of things and people has more to do with you or me than with them.
The scripture says we will have a breakthrough when we are free from OUR anger and hate. Only when we deal with these heart issues will we truly be free of whatever and whoever seems to hold us in bondage?
I realize people do things that we often feel are unforgivable. Yet we must realize this important truth: Forgiving them is for us more than for them. Yes, it is important to forgive and release them. But it is also the ONLY way we will be free of the pain and hurt they have caused us.
It is OUR anger or our bitterness that is keeping THEIR yoke around our neck.
Think about that for a moment. It is OUR anger that is keeping THEIR yoke of bondage around our neck.Therefore, only we can set us free.
I have never seen more anger in our world than I do right now. The saddest part is that many of those who are displaying anger are born-again, spirit-filled believers. I simply cannot understand that.
If God lives in us, how can we choose to keep anger and hatred? The two cannot dwell together, and light and darkness cannot mix.
So, what’s happening?
What I believe is happening is we are being pressed. What is deep within is coming out as we go through this time of pressing.
Personally, I have had to deal with quite a few heart issues during the past few months. As I have been pressed, some of the things coming out of me have not been pleasant, nor have they been fun to deal with. That only tells me I still have things in my heart that need change. I thank God for the press. It is the only way I know what is within my heart.
Matthew 15:18-19 in another translation teaches us, But what comes out of your mouth reveals the core of your heart. Words can pollute, not food. You will find living within an impure heart evil ideas, murderous thoughts, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, and slander. That’s what pollutes a person. Eating with unwashed hands doesn’t defile anyone.
It is the core of our heart that we must make sure remains pure and undefiled before God. Proverbs 4:23 says, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
How we react to circumstances, the words that come out of our mouths, anger or unforgiveness, it’s all a heart issue. We must guard our hearts. Be diligent to keep all anger, hate, and offense out of our hearts. If not, we will remain in bondage. Only we can set ourselves free. Our freedom is entirely up to us. Today, it is my prayer that we all go free.
Excellent!!!
God is working on my heart❤️