Valley of Dry Bones

If you've ever seen the cross-section of a bone, you know that a living bone is full of spongey marrow. There is a lot to be gleaned from scripture on how to turn our dry bones (like those in Ezekiel) into living bones with marrow. Dry bones lack MARROW. Marrow is defined by Google as "a soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones, in which blood cells are produced (often taken as typifying strength and vitality)". God wants to breathe some spiritual lifeblood into these “dry bones” situations. How do we get back our strength and feelings of enthusiasm when we're standing in a proverbial valley of dry bones?

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

Marrow is JOY. It's so natural to look for joy from our circumstances, but when we find joy, laughter, smiles, excitement even in the most serious of times, that changes our circumstances! Joy doesn't depend on your experience. Your experience depends on joy.

"For the word of God is alive 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

Digging deep enough into anatomy tells us that diving bones and marrow isn't as simple as the inside and outside of bones. They are cellularly fused together. Yet the word of God is PRECISE enough to divide them. Seeking God for that kind of precision and discernment in His word- the kind that isn't dicernable through human wisdom- brings a particular vitality to what has seemed lifeless or unresponsive.

"This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life." Ezekiel 37:5

Marrow requires not only hearing God for your life, but it is a call to action or a call to response based on His word. You have heard His words. Now what is your response? SPEAKING the words you have received and ACTING in line with God's direction in His word brings our spirits to life. It's not something that will "just happen" to you, but something God will do WITH you as declare and act in obedience. The things God chooses to do with your life may make no sense or seem like too much of a long shot. Believe for it anyway. If God's word says it, you do it.

"Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30

Marrow is GOOD NEWS. Are you longing for good news? The whole work of Jesus is called the gospel. The good news. THAT'S WHAT GOD DOES. He has good news for you NOW. He has good news for someone you are connected to! Ask God for new ways to be part of sharing His good news!

"You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the LORD shall be known to his servants, and he shall show his indignation against his enemies." Isaiah 66:14 (ESV)

You shall see. Despite feeling beaten down. Despite looking at dry bones. God says "you shall see" over your situation that it will flourish as you respond.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8

When God brings the marrow of His life-giving words into your life, and it partners will your belief in His power to do all His word says, it will NOT look like human wisdom. No human wisdom says mountains can be moved or seas can be parted or sick can be healed or dead can be raised. You cannot lean on your understanding of this situation. You HAVE to lean on the God that says dry bones can live. That leaning is what brings the marrow back into the bones!

"he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken" Psalm 34:20

Rest in the comfort that you are PROTECTED. But not only does God protect His own- it says not one bone will be broken. In Ezekiel these bones represented an impossible, miraculous demonstration of life and power. One thing we can expect as Christians is for God to do impossible, miraculous, demonstrations of His power for His glory. He will not let one of His commands or promises be broken. What He commands, He fulfills.

Now is the time to speak boldly!

"When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long." Psalm 32:3

The kingdom of God is longing for you to speak! Speaking your testimony, sharing the gospel, praying into people and situations in your life are all ways we speak. Silent resignation wastes away bones, but God-aligned declaration brings the marrow of life back into them. Listen now to what the Lord is saying over your dry bones...then speak out accordingly. Watch how His resurrecting power brings new life to what is spiritually dead all around you.

Mandate