BARBED WIRE AND BAD DECISIONS

Our neighbor frantically knocked on our door. A deer was entangled in a barbed-wire fence, and her kids were freaking out. Grabbing some wire cutters, she and Linda set out to free the creature. But as they approached, the deer began feverishly thrashing. This only intensified its entanglement. Even the ladies’ soothing words didn’t calm it.

Eventually the thrashing subsided long enough for them to begin snipping away the wire. More kicking. Pausing to let the poor beast settle, they resumed their snipping. After repeating this process numerous times, they finally freed it. Limping away, the deer was less than grateful, even though its saviors cut themselves in the process.

How often do we find ourselves in a tangled mess, overwhelmed with anxiety? Like this unfortunate deer, the harder we struggle to free ourselves, the more entrapped we become. We’re hopelessly ensnared.

Eventually, we cry out to God, and He comes to our rescue. Then the fight is on. We resist His methods of deliverance because they may require us to face some unpleasant truths about ourselves and change our behavior.  Finally, we cease thrashing and trust God. Then He frees us. We can sure act like dumb animals sometimes!

But how do we begin to break free from these anxiety-laden entanglements? It starts with acknowledging that we need rescuing.

In Luke 18, Jesus told a story about two men praying to God: a religious Pharisee and a despised tax collector. The Pharisee proudly recited his religious accomplishments, while the tax collector hung his head and cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (v. 13).

Jesus declared that the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified before God (v. 14). Why? Because he knew he needed saving.

Feeling tangled in anxiety, fear, or the consequences of your own choices? Don't keep thrashing against the barbed wire. Call on God, trust His wisdom, and cooperate with His work in your life. The One who hears your cry knows exactly how to set you free.

Ponder:

•         What specific choices do you make that continue to leave you entangled?

•         How do you need to stop “thrashing” and allow God to deliver you?

Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Luke 18:9–14.

Blessed Savior, thank You for hearing my cry and rescuing me when I find myself entangled in my own poor choices. Help me to be still and allow You to save me.

If you enjoyed this article, please tell your friends, and visit my website at BarneyCargile.com.

This article is an excerpt from my book Thriving in Troubled Times. You can order from my website or click below.

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