“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
Have you ever read a verse scores of times and then suddenly, on the sixty-fifth reading — zap! — the verse nails you squarely between your soul and spirit? Verses such as “Follow me” or “Flee youthful lusts” sharply rebuke you for that lustful fantasizing you’ve been wallowing in lately. Any other time you would have skimmed right over those verses. But now, it hurts.
That’s what happens when the Word of God slices through that thin line between your soul and spirit. Your soul, clouded by emotions and excuses, is not prone to conviction. Your spirit, however, bears witness with the Spirit of God as His truth, painfully revealing, hits home.
Often you may reread the verse, double-checking to make certain you heard God right, but if you are honest, the verse still pierces and stings your conscience. You have been wounded by the Word of God.
Andrew Murray has put it this way: “Jesus has no tenderness toward anything that is ultimately going to ruin a man in service to Him. If God brings to your mind a verse which hurts you, you may be sure that there is something He wants to hurt.”
We must not view our disobedience as a vague generality, as when we say, “God, forgive me, a sinner.” What sins? Specifically, how have you disobeyed? Try to make a list of at least ten specifics. Having trouble? Then ask God to wound you with His Word.
You, Lord, are the judge of my thoughts and my heart. Place the sword of Your Word between my soul and spirit and reveal to me today things in my life that displease You.
