I have been listening to the Bible on my way to and from work. This gives me a good 40 minutes with God’s precious Word during the day. Listening to it versus reading it tends to make the Bible more virtual and visual for me. I really experience the drama. So as I am hearing about battles, and demises I start to feel emotional. There are many instances in 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Samuel where people were killed and parts of their body were taken to be displayed. Hands were cut off, heads were delivered… sometimes by the time I get to work, I feel nauseous. During battle scenes, I want to close my eyes, but I can’t because I’m driving. I figured I felt this way because I am a mom. I am weak. I know that God made male and female different in characteristics as well as physically, so I was curious how men in general feel about these events in the Old Testament. Recently, when I got to work, I asked the guys.
If you are a female, this might shock you. They collectively said they really enjoy reading the fighting scenes in the Bible! What!?! Are you kidding?!! How can this be? (God made men so tough) It’s kind of embarrassing confessing that parts of the Old Testament make me queasy to read. But then I wondered if there might be a few of you out there that have the same reaction? Then one of the men added that he and his wife have talked about this before because it is not easy for her as well. Well, I am glad I’m not alone, but I still would like to learn from the hard parts of the Old Testament. So what do I do? I need a plan.
I am going to try to focus on a few things while listening to history unfold. Obviously, the first thing that I need to do is to ask the Lord to help me read through those parts and then glean from the events what He wants me to learn. But then I think I can also focus on how God is our protector. God’s chosen people went through more struggles than any other people group that I am aware of. God remained faithful to them. Even when the Israelites went their own way, it was not long before they cried out to God again knowing that they needed Him. God will protect us, He is with us always. I can also focus on how God is powerful and sovereign. God’s power is also beyond my comprehension. This fills me with awe that we can even approach our Father.
Then I probably should be thankful that the Lord made my stomach weak. This is hopefully part of how He made me a nurturer for the children He has given me. I pray that He will use me and my difficulties to hear about battles to teach my children peace.
God, you are worthy to be praised. Please help me to take my eyes off the violence and keep them on the One who can save…You. Lord thank you for making men so tough. Thank you for examples in history of your great deliverances! Amen.
Amy