Thankful for the Scars ~ I Am They
Praise the LORD, O my
soul, and forget not all his benefits—who redeems your life from the pit and
crowns you with love and compassion, ~ Psalm 103:2, 4 NIV
Confession: I get nervous speaking in front of people,
even though I’ve taught classes, led small groups, etc. I’m sure it’s rooted in
a fear of rejection: what if I say the wrong thing and sound like an idiot. Ironically,
the smaller the group, the more intimidated I am to speak.
This past week, our life group was discussing Romans
8:17, listing the benefits of being an heir of God and co-heir with Christ. The
word “benefits” reminded me of Psalm 103:2-5. Our group leader asked which
benefits stood out to me. Typically, this would be a nerve-wracking,
hands-shaking, face-reddening moment. But Holy Spirit was with me; and, in
peaceful ease, I was able to share what God has done for me. I used to suffer
from Endometriosis, a disease doctors say is incurable, but God healed me,
(v.3). And in the past, I struggled with depression, but God redeemed me and pulled
me out of that pit, out of the darkness, and into His light, (v.4).
This morning, I heard the song, “Thankful for the Scars,”
and it reminded me of a post I saw, the gist of which is, if you understood my
story—the pit from which He redeemed me—you’d understand my worship. The woman
who anointed Jesus with the expensive bottle of perfume is a great example of
this: she’d been forgiven much, so she loved much, (Luke 7:36-47). David,
dancing before the Lord, is another great example: He “danced before the Lord
with all of his might,” and said, “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will
become even more undignified than this,” (2 Samuel 6:12-22).
We all have insecurities and things that make us afraid.
But when the Spirit of the Lord is on us, it’s amazing how His peace overrides
them. The best part is that He often uses our lives and testimonies to bring glory
to His own Name. What are the scars and victories in your life? Ask God to give
you the opportunity to share them, to dance mightily, and to love much in
response to all that He’s done in your life.
©Heather Potts 2019
