The Melt
Psalm 37:8 "Cease from anger; and forsake wrath; do
not fret-it only causes harm." NKJ
As longer days of warming sun return to the north the melt begins. Drip drop,
splash, crash, the sounds of spring as snow and ice melts and drizzles or slides
with a slap from the roofs. How wonderful to envision green sprouts, still
blanketed in snow, arousing from their dormant state as the spring melt
commences to water and nourish them.
Likewise when we choose to forgive others we too undergo a type of melting and
regeneration process. When we elect in our hearts to forgive the trespasses of
others against us, we lay down the desire and need to hurt them for hurting us.
The decision to forgive begins to melt the hardness of anger and hate residing
in our hearts and allows the goodness of God's love to sprout and bloom within
us again, much as the sun melts the snow and rejuvenates the land.
Negative emotions such as destructive anger, wrath and fretting harm us more
than they hurt those who trespass against us. Such emotions may easily freeze
the power of God's love seeking to flow through us, hardening our hearts to his
will and way.
Though forgiving others can be difficult, sometimes next to impossible, all
things are possible in Christ, when we turn to him for aid, for he is the one
who lay down his life for the sin of the world, past, present and future.
Yes, anger, wrath and fretting leads only to harm, but forgiveness melts a
hardened heart and rejuvenates the life giving power of Christ within. Which
will we choose this day?
Prayer: Lord God and Wonderful Father, thank you for loving us enough to send
your Son, Jesus Christ to suffer and die upon a lowly cross on Calvary's hill
that we might not only be forgiven but also have the power to forgive those who
trespass against us. As your people may we always choose forgiveness over anger,
wrath and fretting that the rejuvenating power love might flow wide and far
through your worldwide church, bringing healing to the nations. In Christ's name
we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, B.C.