My ears itch a lot. LOL…don’t really know why but they do and always have. My mom frequently gave me suggestions to help and her suggestions always worked temporarily but the “itch returned” sooner or later. :o)
Sin has been that way in my life. It wells up in me…”the itch–sin”. There is a certain “itch” that is more tempting to me than others. Funny…now that I am on the Back 9…and observe life much more than I did when I was younger….it seems that most people are prone to certain “itches/sin.”
What I do know about sin, and of course I am speaking from personal experience, is that Sin ALWAYS separates me/you from the presence of God. Sin is usually about what price you are wiling to pay for wanting things your own way. For absolute sure in the last 6 years I have become so much more aware of my “itch” because of my enjoyment and total love of fellowship with the Lord.
When I “scratch that itch” I immediately feel myself separating from God. It is a scary feeling for me. The only way I know to describe it is to say that it feels as if I am “free falling with no parachute”. It is the same feeling I used to get on airplanes when I experienced turbulence.
Quick confession and repentance takes that separation away. Asking God to make me more aware of my “itch” and helping me to recognize His “way out” has been key. Scripture teaches very clearly that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He will always provide a way out (see I Corinthians 10:13). But you see…like ignoring the speed limit…I have zoomed on past “my way out” at times…totally being conscious of my way out…but speeding right past the “sign!”
Recently my “way out” was God’s voice in my head saying, “REMAIN SILENT. DON’T SAY A WORD!” But yep, you guessed it. My “frequent itch” is the “tongue” and I just zoomed on past the “way out” and let words…many words…come right on out. I had the self-control and the experience of knowing that “dropping my hands” or “holding my tongue” (those 2 things mean the same to me) was God’s provision but I pressed the “ignore button” and zoomed on past.
It wasn’t long before I felt that gut gnawing feeling in my stomach…that separation. Thankfully, from experience, I knew what to do. I repented immediately, which was so soothing, but I still had to endure the consequences of my sin. :o) It is so very true. You can pick your sin, or scratch your “itch,” but you cannot choose the consequences. Still dealing with some of the consequences but asking God to allow the painful consequences to help me not “scratch that itch ever again!” As asked of the Lord in Psalm 119:33, “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.”
I want to be done with that sin. I want to permanently be done with “ringing the bell” in someone else’s life….of what I see….unless they come right out and ask me. God for sure wants to use me. I know that. But He wants to “direct and control” my tongue and my words and tell me when to “remain silent”.
I encourage you today…to seek God’s presence. Ask Him to show you the “sin” in your life. It could be a “familiar” itch that you don’t even recognize as sin…(familiar can be disguised–just a heads up!) “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me…” (Psalm 19:12-13).
Recognition and repentance are the first ways to draw closer to God. To experience His healing, His provision and His comfort. SEEK Him today. BE still and allow Him to direct you. HE will be very faithful.
Psalm 4:4, “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”