What a surprise! I never dreamed I’d find such healing words in the book of Ezekiel. Words that nourished my soul.
Years ago, I went through something I rarely talk about. It drained me mentally and emotionally. Perhaps someday I’ll give more details, but for now, I’ll share the healing messages I gleaned from this Old Testament prophet.
The first insight I gained is in Ezekiel chapter nine. It’s here that Ezekiel sees a vision of a few men grieving over the sight of idolatry and abominations. These heartbroken men received a mark on their foreheads. This mark spared their lives—such an interesting story. Then the thought came to me, if what breaks my heart is the same as what breaks God’s heart, sin and all the things attached to it, I’m in a good place. It shows I have the heart of God.
The next enlightenment I discovered was in Ezekiel 36:35-36. The Lord says, “I the Lord build the ruined places.” Sometimes I look back and think about the period of years I lived with abuse. It feels like a ruined place. I’ve talked to a handful of people about it, and I’m grateful for their listening ear, prayer, and guidance. Similarly, this passage gave me hope. Hope that God can heal, restore and rebuild those ruined places.
As I continued reading, I stopped and reread Ezekiel 47:1-12 several times. These verses illustrate a flowing river. The source of this river starts at the altar. It flowed and flowed and soon became immense and full of life. Big enough to swim in.
As I contemplated and envisioned this water-sourced altar, I asked myself, “Do I want to be what God’s designed me to be? Do I want to speak life? Overflow with life?” For this to happen, I must stay connected to the altar, the place of humbleness and surrender.
I didn’t expect such hidden gems of comfort and assurance in Ezekiel’s book. But I’m thankful for the words of hope. God’s word works!
maryhaner's weblog 