If you're looking for an expert hammer handler, don't call me--I'll be too busy nursing the last thumb I "lost"! Ouch--can't you feel it now--cause YOU'VE done it too! Well, I've been "pounded down" and I've seen others "pounded down" long enough--and it has nothing to do with real hammers, real nails, or real thumbnails--hang on!
You see, I'm out lookin' this morning for three culprits who are out to "do us in" every time...I've got my Bible handy and those so-called hammer-experts are not gonna win! If you'd like to play detective with me, come along!
First and chief suspect--"The Accuser of the Brethren"! He doesn't even deserve "caps" for his title--he's a mean one who will try to pound you down into the ground every chance he gets. He's the world's worst whisperer and he'll whisper false accusations into your ear until your mind, soul and spirit are on overload with JUNK! For that's what it is--JUNK! Just remember this about the enemy: "There is no truth in him...he is a liar (John 8:44)." So go tell him where to go--right to the pit where he belongs! Don't let him POUND YOU DOWN anymore with hell's hammer--not when you're holding the Hammer of God's Word (Jeremiah 23:29)! Quote it aloud in his face--and he MUST BE GONE--hammer and all!
Secondary suspect--"The Brethren!" Now we all know that "the brethren" AND "the sisters" are supposed to be loving, kind, gentle, long-suffering, etc (Galatians 5:22,23)--but we also all know a few who are expert hammer handlers and can put a person down in a second, smiling all the while! What to do? Smile back sweetly--don't say a word, but go to the secret hiding place, God's throne room. HE holds a gavel in His hand that beats any hammer that comes near you--HE'S got the final word on you--and it is GOOD, VERY good! So tell HIM all about it, let HIM deal with the "pounder"--and go on your way, rejoicing, looking up, knowing WHO you are in Him. You'll win every time!
Third and most personal suspect--guess who! It's the one underneath your own hard hat heard yelling, "O BROTHER--how in the world did *I* do THAT!" You see, sometimes we are our own best--or worst--enemies. We berate, negate, and aggravate the person God has created us to be. We speak words of disdain about ourselves, to ourselves, within ourselves--and when we're mad enough, to everyone else. We show complete disregard for the person GOD made--and clothed! For we are created in His image, clothed in His righteousness, sons and daughters of the most High God...so....
Stop it--don't put yourself down any longer! Let HIM raise you UP to sit in heavenly places with HIM. You are a winner and a wonderful child of God. Don't let any one, including YOURSELF, POUND YOU DOWN...Pick up the Hammer of God's Word and use it! Then listen closely to the final gavel that sounds God's approval--"what I have made is VERY GOOD!" Now believe it and you will have a great day!
Delight in a Word from the Well--a refreshing in the Water of His Word
"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me (Micah 7:8)."
"Why art thou cast DOWN, O my soul? And why are thou disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God (Psalm 43:5)."
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of thy wings. Selah."
Draw from the Well--a prayer for renewing strength for this day
"Lord, I'm Your child! I'm tired of being put down, of putting myself down, of letting the enemy "pound me" into the ground in defeat and despair. I'm not perfect--but I stand complete in YOUR perfection; my robe's not spotless--but I stand pure in YOUR righteousness. Remind me of WHO I AM IN CHRIST and help me get up, brush off the dust, and arise in Your strength to meet the day, In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Your DAILY Assignments!
My Indescribable, Personal Christ--Scripture for ALL Seasons!
Words from the Well poem
The Christian Armor Room at Peggie's Place
Copyright 2000 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
Not to be copied without permission.
With thanks to Songs of Praise for the beautiful music playing on this page. Visit Songs of Praise for other beautiful tunes by many talented artists (CDs are available).
All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.