Life Hurts, God Heals

Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

I wanted to write a devotional on finding healing in Christ, because I have recently been made aware of many people in my life who are in need of God’s healing hand. Whether you have experienced a broken heart, loss of a loved one, or feel “brokenhearted” as the psalmist describes, we all are in need of the Lord to work in our lives and bring us healing for life’s hurts.

I believe the first step in moving toward healing is to release past hurts. Mark 11:25 instructs us to forgive those we hold a grudge against. The next thing we should do is refocus our minds on the Lord so that our perspectives will change. I once read a book where a man in prison told others he would wake up every morning and encourage himself by saying, "I can either look out these bars at the dirt or I can look up to the sky." Like I have said in previous devotionals, it is all about attitude! What thoughts will we entertain?

Ephesians 3:20 – “…By [God’s] mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” When we gain this perspective on life, we will be strengthened in the knowledge that we are not in this battle alone. Additionally, we have Someone on our side who already won the fight! :) Lastly, we must receive the comfort the Lord provides. “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

We can find joy in knowing that Jesus, who had a perfect heart, chose to have it broken for us. He experienced a broken heart in every way (through betrayal, temptation, and loss - Isaiah 53:3; Luke 22:33-34; Matthew 14:10-13). He is our Comforter, Counselor, and Companion who satisfies our heart’s desires.

Today I challenge us to thank Christ for the physical and spiritual pain that He experienced for our benefit. May we humbly approach the throne of God and receive His healing touch.

Soli Deo Gloria!
<3 Shannon

“Healing Hand of God” by Jeremy Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB1i3p-6s7U