When You Jump into a Pit

You Can Jump In 

Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. — Psalm 19:13

You can jump in. Before you take the plunge into that pit, you can be well aware that what you’re about to do is wrong, probably even foolish. But the escalating desire to do it exceeds the good sense not to. You had time to think, and then you did exactly what you meant to do even if the pit turned out to be deeper and the consequences higher than you hoped. 

You, like me, probably do what you do because you want to. You like the trip. You don’t necessarily like the cost but, like all vacations, a great trip can be worth the expense. 

God does all these things to a person — twice, even three times — to turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them. — Job 33:29–30

Personal Application 

Each of us will ultimately do what we want to do. Christ asks, “What do you want, Child?” How will you answer that question? 

Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and He has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. — Ezra 9:9

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Dangerous Territory 

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:7–9

The problem with us pit-jumpers is that we don’t want to hear God’s warnings when we get close to a pit. We want what we want. So we stick our fingers in our ears before we jump. This is by far the most dangerous and supremely consequential way to get in a pit. Motive is huge to God. And so is character. Primarily His character, which we are created to emulate. And He will not be mocked. The very segment of Scripture where we’re told God won’t be mocked is strategically centered in the context of reaping what we sow (see Galatians 6:7–9). God looks intently not only at what we’ve done and how, but also why we did it. 

Reflection Question 

Why is “jumping in” the most dangerous and supremely consequential method of getting into a pit? 

Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.
Learn to do right. — Isaiah 1:16–17

Personal Application 

The psalmist said, 

I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart. — Psalm 40:8 NASB

On a continuum between “not at all” to “yes, I’m there,” how true is this for you today? 

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. — 1 Peter 1:14–15

Excerpted with permission from Get Out of That Pit: A 40-Day Devotional Journal by Beth Moore, copyright Beth Moore. 

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Your Turn

Do you tend to me a jumper when it comes to the pit? Isn’t it so strange how intent we are to cause our own problems? Willingly? Purposefully! But, God will not be mocked. He calls us to delight in His will, His way. Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily