The Hook

THE HOOK

By: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“Don’t allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one.” - Matthew‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭GW‬‬

We all struggle with self medicating in one form or another—the destructive things we do to soothe ourselves, when the best choice would be to come before Him to be comforted.  Even healthy things, like our own families, can become idols that we crave more than we desire Him.  Most of us have at least one of these “hooks” in our mouths — foreign gods that we turn to for comfort instead of the one, true God of all comfort.

In the unprecedented time in world history, it is the perfect time for personal and cultural self examination—a shining of light into the darkness.  It is so distressing to see the condition of our hearts—our lust for power, hoarding of possessions, perversion of truth, pursuit of unholy passions and the love of things and the use of people, instead of the other way around.  As it was in the days of Noah, (Gen 6:5,11-12) we revel in our sickness.  Those who are in greatest decay are celebrated and held in highest regard.

Lord, in this time of necessary separation from so much, draw us before You.  Do a work of revelation, healing and purification in our hearts and minds.  Bring a holy, delivering conviction that will loose chains and set us free from life-dominating behaviors what prevent us from truly enjoying our blessings.  Deliver us from our foreign gods that imprison us with despair in our hearts and hooks in our mouths.

When’s temptation taps us on the shoulder, show us the way of escape, and strengthen our resolve to take it. And when our doors and windows finally reopen, may we emerge stronger and wiser, with hearts and minds that have been renewed and refocused by being in Your presence.

Lord, thank You that the worst of times can become the best of times, when we allow You to transform and shape us through them. May not one moment of this season be wasted.  Change us for Your glory and our eternal good.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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