Do you ever think of yourself as a bitter person? Today I would love to share one of my most recent messages from our home church of West Ridge. As you will hear this story connected so many dots and through lines of the Bible with me. I hope you enjoy this message today and it encourages you wherever you are.
Need Another Podcast to listen to?
When you are done with this episode, go ahead and check out my other podcast I am a part of that is launching this Friday the 22nd! The Together We Rise Podcast, an extension of Women Speakers Collective. My co-host Cheryl and I have been working hard all summer building a space where every woman is welcome at the table.
Message Notes
I beckoned the Eternal to hear, and He answered me. From the belly, the place of death, I cried out to You, and You have responded to my voice. You threw me into the watery depths and cast me into the middle of the chaotic seas. The waters closed in around me; your waves broke over me; Your surf swelled as I sank into the depths. Jonah 2:1-3 The Voice
From the belly, the place of death, I cried out to You.
Hebrew word Sheol - the grave or pit. Dark and joyless.
I have been driven out from before Your very eyes. Still, I know I will gaze again on Your holy temple.” The waters swallowed me; the deep abyss was covering over me. Seaweeds were wrapped around my head, trapping me as I sank down to where the mountains are rooted to the earth. I went down to the place where death’s gate would lock me in forever. Yet You lifted me up from the pit. Eternal One, You are my God! Only as my life was fading way did I remember the Eternal; Jonah 2:4-7
Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence? If I go up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there. If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean, Even then You will be there to guide me; Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there. Even if I am afraid and think to myself, “There is no doubt that the darkness will swallow me, the light around me will soon be turned to night, You can see in the dark, for it is not dark to Your eyes.” Psalm 139:7-12
“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. Jonah 2:7-8
But I will sing to You and sacrifice to You with a voice filled with thanksgiving…Jonah 2:9
And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
Jonah 2:10
His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Reflection Questions 1. Are you on the inside of a problem, journal about how you might change your perspective?
2. Have you come to a place where bitterness has grabbed a hold of your heart? Take some time in prayer to search that out and respond to God.
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