Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.—Luke 13:10-13
This woman’s story hit home this morning. How often do I walk around staring at the ground…bent over and burdened under the weight of the evil and uncertainty of this life. Scripture tells us that this woman was unable to raise herself up until the love of God touched her body, heart and life.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,—Ephesians 2:4-6
Beloved…it is the same for us. Without the Spirit of God dwelling in us, we are hopeless and helpless. Without Him we can do nothing…not even raise ourselves up. But here is the thing. God has already quickened my Spirit. In Christ all my sins and failures have been disposed of once and for all. I have surrendered to the Spirit of Him who dwells in me, the consent of my will. His love is shed abroad in my heart. Metaphorically speaking, I already dwell in the heavenlies with Him. My help is near. His power and strength is perfected in my weakness. He is my glory and Lifter of my head. I don’t have to walk around bent over and burdened…staring at the ground. I can walk in the newness of of life. Free from life’s burdens because He upholds me by His truth and walks with me.
Father…Be merciful to me a sinner saved by Your amazing grace! You are my glory and the One who lifts my head. When my soul clings to the dust, revive me according to Your word. When it melts from the heaviness of the world around me, strengthen me according to Your word. When my soul faints, may Your word be my hope. Break the chains that bind me to this earth. Remind me that You are near. Incline to me, Father, and bring me up out of the horrible pit. Set my feet upon the rock and establish my steps. Fill me with Your grace and enable me to sing of Your goodness.
Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.—Psalm 61:1-4
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.—Psalm 34:4-7
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD;
Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
For innumerable evils have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up;
They are more than the hairs of my head;
Therefore my heart fails me.—Psalm 40:11-12
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.—Psalm 42:11
