Chaplains Corner by Larry Williamson

In the Dentist Chair   March 2016

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

The whining of the drill and swish of the water spray fill my ears. Another appointment at the dentist office! Such visits are unpleasant in some ways, but I know the dentist is doing a valuable service by removing the decay that will spoil my teeth and filling each hole with good durable material.

As I sit here, I think  of how the Holy Spirit likewise cleans out the bad spots in my life through applying the word of God. I sometimes Feel uncomfortable as I read a passage telling me how I should be living. “Lord, I fall short so often,” I say. God’s forgiveness enfolds me, and I feel new and whole once more. The palmist prayer also echoes in my mind: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”

As I have the dentist with my teeth checked, repaired, and healthy, I’m grateful for the dentist-and for the heavenly Searcher