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Thoughts for a Woman's Heart |
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encouragement in things that matter |
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From the Inside Out
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For all of us, real and permanent change begins, not on the outside with a concerted effort to behave and respond differently, but on the inside, with a change in thinking that affects our belief structure. In other words, if I truly want to change my behavior patterns, I must examine my thinking and my beliefs and in turn, bring my thoughts and beliefs in line with the truth of God’s Word. When I think biblically, my beliefs will be biblical, and my behaviors will be both godly and healthy. Nowhere is this more true than for the woman whose inner person has been shredded by sexual sin committed against her. Our society has only recently begun to understand and unveil the devastating horror that such sin can inflict on its victim. Our churches though can still close their eyes, because they feel hopelessly inadequate to address the issue. The sad part about closing our eyes is that God has real and permanent answers that the world cannot offer.
In 2 Timothy 3, it speaks of "vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by many desires. Such women are forever following new teachings, but they never understand the truth." The women directly spoken of, may or may not be victims of sexual sin, but the description nonetheless fits such a woman. The words used in the Timothy passage, according to The Pulpit Commentary, convey an idea of passive helplessness, and an unresisting weakness – again, characteristics of the sexually wronged woman. Typically too, such women blame themselves for the wrong committed, and especially as Christians, continue to live with a dark shadow of doubt and guilt. Even as believers, they are continually searching for the truth that can ease the pain of low self-worth and destructive relational patterns. This is obviously not an in-depth study of the consequences of the varied forms of sexual abuse, nor is there ample time or space here to fully deal with the healing God does offer. I would however like to look at one Scripture passage that encourages God’s healing direction. Again, the verses do not specifically address the issue, but the principles do apply.
In Psalm 119:33-40, the psalmist asks to be taught by God, and to be taught in such a way that an understanding is gained that will effectively change his behaviors from the inside out. He asks for an eagerness in his pursuit of truth, and continual assurances of God’s promises. He prays for the ability to let go of shameful and destructive behaviors, and to replace those behaviors with an infusion of the goodness of God. Those are not simple answers, but my heart’s desire is to encourage the beginning of God’s healing direction. There are answers with God – answers that can bring freedom, fulfillment, and a changed life – from the inside out. It will begin with honesty, and prayerfully, if my words have touched your heart, you will be courageous enough to find someone who will not close her eyes to the pain within you that God wants to heal.
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— Bev |
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