dodge, duck, parry and heal

I'm reminded of a scene from The Matrix; Neo is being fired upon by his enemy and has learned that he can move at super speed to dodge the bullets as they whiz in his direction.   Most miss him, but one brings him down; just one.  That bullet reminds Neo, that, while he can resist, he is not invulnerable.

Many of us are wrestle with a variety of difficult and challenging areas of our lives, while enjoying freedom and victory in others.  We have learned to deflect, parry, dodge and absorb many of the "bullets" flung in our direction, but occasionally one will bring us down, for a time, "for a season".  Depending on the proximity of that wounding to our "heart", the recovery time may be short or lengthy, and, if we allow it, it can be permanently crippling or even deadly to us.

 "Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on his faithfulness.  Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.   Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.   And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light, And thy justice as the noon-day.   Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath:"  ~ Psalm 37:3-8a

I have wounded people in my days; some have forgiven me, others have not, some use it as a bludgeon against me.  I can not undo my actions, only repent, attempt to reconcile and seek forgiveness.

I have allowed wounds to embitter me and to withhold that same forgiveness for others.  That's the crippling and deadly wound; the wound that alters the course of my demeanor, my heart.  That's the wound that not only hardens me against the person who "flung the bullet", but grows skeptical hardness against innocent bystanders.

And that's the wound that most needs to heal.

"And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.  And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"   ~ Luke 23:33-34a

Father, help me to forgive with the same heart that Jesus called upon, Yours.

Heal my wounded heart, Lord, and bring healing to the hearts of those I have wounded.

In Jesus name, I bring this prayer to you.

Amen