I recently had a massage.
It’s been a while. I used to get them all the time… but then along came kids, a mortgage, J. Jill clothes, Silpada jewelry, and Starbucks (not necessarily in that order). 🙂
This specific therapist was running a great special and I couldn’t resist. It was heavenly. Two hours of pampering. No one calling me. Nobody asking for more milk. No cat litter to clean. Laundry wasn’t begging to be folded.
Nope. This was all just for me.
As she started to work on my neck, it felt fantastic. But then… she went a little deeper. Ouch. The tight muscles in my neck required her to dig in so I could get relief. While it hurt, I knew it was only going to make things better.
Because I was ready to be free from the aches and pains, I decided to be part of the process rather than part of the problem.
So… I took in long breaths and blew the air back out slowly. Instead of tensing up more, I relaxed my body. There were no screams of pain. No gasps. I allowed the work to be done and I feel great.
You know what’s cool? God is like that massage therapist. But He has the ability to work out deeper things in us, because unlike her…
- He knows where life is causing us struggles.
- He understands our character flaws.
- He is not surprised by things that offend us.
- He sees our hurting hearts.
When we take our pain to God, He faithfully goes to work. His only focus is to bring us relief.
Sometimes the process of relief is uncomfortable because is makes us look at who we really are. It forces us to forgive something or someone who has hurt us deeply. This process causes us to change, which is overwhelming and scary at times. Old habits are hard to break.
But when we decide to be part of the process rather than part of the problem, it can make a huge difference. When we allow God to work that stuff out instead of us holding on to it and letting it fester… relief is imminent.
We can trust God with our issues because:
- He sees it coming.
- He understands it all.
- He knows both sides.
- He has the perfect solution.
- He will personally walk you through it.
- His goal is restoration.
He is your Divine Masseuse.
He won’t charge you. You don’t have to make an appointment. And His hands never get tired.
When you need liberation, go directly to God. By doing so… you’re being part of the process and not part of the problem.
©2010 careyscotttalks.com
Carey – I love this thought! I am getting ready to spend time with my family – though I love them, we have had years of splintered and seperated relationships. The Holidays, therefore, cause us all to remember why we are in seperation.
I have been struggling with anxiety this week as I prepare to head to my hometown and in my quiet time this morning I felt led to dig in deep to God, knowing that He is the only one who knows what is coming. I made a decision to be a part of His hope and not to align myself with the hopelessness that Satan would love for me to take on.
Keep me in prayer that I am an agent of Hope and Peace while with my family – I am anxious to see God start the process of healing among us!
Thanks for the analogy and words!
Cheryl
Excellent illustration. I’m preaching on the deep work of God this Sunday morning and I’d like to use your “Massage Therapist” illustration if that’s OK.
JD… Of course! Honored!