Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Inner Healing


From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isaiah 1:6 (King James Version)

Philip Yancey wrote a book called, Where Is God When It Hurts? In it he describes the horrid details of a person with leprosy. Unable to feel pain because the pain sensors are dead, injuries result in infections and the loss of fingers, toes, etc... Imagine putting your hand on a hot burner and never feeling the pain! Nothing would cause you to quickly remove your hand. The injury would be incredible. The point is to realize that pain serves a purpose. It tells us something is wrong and encourages us to attend to the problem.

So often we will recognize physical pain and seek help. But pain of the mind, spirit, or emotions often times is ignored or buried. Words spoken in anger, looks of disapproval, unmet needs all wound and bruise us on the inside. We fail to acknowledge them or bring them to God for His touch of cleansing and healing. He sees the wounds, the bruises, the putrefying sores. Although we may think they are not worth attending to God knows differently. He knows the infection will grow worse.

Until recently I did not realize the extent of my own inner wounds. As God has begun to reveal them to me He has allowed me to see where certain mindsets have been in place. He has let me know there are reasons I have walked in shame, expected rejection, and felt like a burden to friends.

He took me in His arms and said, "You've been wounded. Some wounding was intentional and some was not." Then He gently proceeded to let me know I would not be free from the effects until I allowed Him to identify where I had been wounded, press out the infection, pour His oil into them, and bandage them. Healing begins within. It is a process. Slow and painful at times but necessary and well worth it.

May I allow the candle of His Spirit to illuminate the very places in me that are still hurting. God will never force the process. I must voluntarily come to Him, place myself under His care, and trust Him to do His healing work in me.

Father, You have made the pain productive because it lead me to You. I know You will continue to show me the wounds that await Your touch, oil, and healing. Amen.

The Power Of Your Love MV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xdgJN0quK4&feature=related