Psalm 107:20
He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
It's kind of an open ended promise, isn't it?
Doesn't really say what specific healing occurred or what condition was taking place.
But whatever it was that put them in the category of 'needing' a healing, God provided the means and way to receive it.
V17 - Fools, because of their transgressions (deeds/behavior), and because of their iniquities, were afflicted. In other words, listening and following the old sin/addiction nature has put them in the place where everything is coming down around them. The back lash from all their bad choices has now begun to manifest in consequences that are not good.
V18 - Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. It that doesn't sound like someone in addiction, I don't know what does. Crystal Meth will put you on the track of "fasting" for the devil. "Food? I don't have time to eat?" Food is the last thing that an addict thinks about. Give them some money and tell them they can either eat or they can buy drugs. Guess which they will choose? All part of the twisted, addicta-logic that sin/addiction puts in the minds and hearts of those who are trapped. I can't tell you the number of people I see who come to treatment with the back pockets of their jeans touching.
V19 - Then they cried out to the LORD in their troubles, and He saved them out of their distresses. I love this verse, but it sure does fly in the face of how some or our modern churches address this problem. You see, I truly believe that when it says that the "Crying out" stirred the heart of God...they literally cried out. It wasn't that they thought about it.....or they whispered it....or it was in their hearts to do this. I believe that when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, you'll cry out to God. I know it doesn't make any sense, but scripture says it catches God attention. Maybe it's because someone who truly cries out has given up. Maybe they have reached that place where they have tried everything and gone to every rehab out there, and nothing has worked. They now see that they are the problem and they need help from someone greater than themselves. At that place, what can a hearty, from the gut "O GOD! SAVE ME!" hurt.
V20 - He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. what or who is His word? That would be Jesus. "Oh no, hear comes the religious spill!!!!!" Hey, this whole Jesus-thing isn't about religion. Besides don't forget the state you were in back up in verse 19. You're the one who cried out for help. Help arrives and you don't like who it is? Mighty picky for a starving pilgrim, aren't you? Take it from someone who has been chasing and following after this Jesus for most of his life, you can't go wrong, and you definitely can't do better.
I'll be speaking at Vineyard Recovery tonight as Seth Barber had to reschedule. I will also be speaking at North Glencoe Celebrate Recovery Sunday night, so come on out and join us.
God on you....
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