Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy…. Psalm 103:2-4
Last week I talked about scars that mark the healings of our past. This week I want to draw your attention to those wounds that remain open and need healing.
Years eight and nine were rough. Between my genetic propensity to clumsiness, late-to-learn-how-to-ride-a-bicycle efforts, and failed playground swing set attempts at flying, bandages were a constant part of my wardrobe during those two years.
The defining moment of that period occurred in the last months of year nine. My parents, along with my two little sisters, picked me up after school to go house hunting. I was wearing new gauze pads, tape, and bandages on both knees, compliments of the school nurse, and thanks to yet another failed flight launched from the schoolyard swings.
I remember limping up the freshly poured sidewalk to the newly constructed house, excited to explore. Once in the house, Rule #1 was to stay close to momma and daddy – no wandering around alone.
When my folks lingered in the kitchen (or some other boring room), I snuck away to find the bedrooms. If this were to eventually become our home, I needed to be ready to lay claim to the bedroom that I wanted.
One room looked promising with a large open closet – the doors had not yet been hung. I hurried over to examine it more closely at the same time checking behind me to see if I was being followed. As I stepped into the closet, too late I realized there was no floor beneath my feet.
I dropped several feet, then fell with a splat on the muddy ground underneath the house.
Like many Texas homes, it was built on a pier and beam foundation that gave access to plumbing and electrical lines located in the crawlspace under the house.
To a nine-year-old, it seemed like a dark muddy grave, and I began to howl.
Within seconds that seemed to me like hours, strong arms reached into the hole in the floor and pulled me up. But was I held close and comforted with warm hugs? Oh no.
Once it was certain that nothing was broken – no one wanted to touch me. I was filthy – covered with mud, bandages torn off. The wounds on my knees reawakened by the fall were once again bleeding. I was a dirty, bloody mess.
My parents took this moment to remind me that it was my decision to disobey and run off on my own that got me into this ugly situation. And they were right, which made me cry harder. Tears, snot, mud, and blood. Not a good look!
That was the end of that day’s house-hunting excursion. We didn’t buy that house – too many ugly memories, I suppose.
During that period in my young life, I was one of the walking wounded most of the time – physical wounds, that is. And most of the time, it was my own doing that caused my wounds.
I grew up in a godly, loving, caring, nurturing environment. I trusted Jesus as my Savior at a young age, I loved God. But did I let that keep me from making foolish choices and bad decisions? Not for a minute. I was headstrong and determined to have my own way.
As much as I wish I could say that all changed when I turned double-digits, it did not. Nor did it change when I hit 20, then 30, then 40, then…I’ll stop there, you get the gist.
The only thing that really changed was the severity and the location of the wounds. No longer were my cuts, scrapes, and bruises limited to elbows, arms, knees, and legs. The wounds were deeper. Invisible to the naked eye. Hidden from view. They were wounds of the heart, mind, and spirit. Wounds that salve and Band-Aids could not heal.
But God. God patiently, lovingly, firmly began revealing one-by-one each wound that needed to be healed. He would do the healing, but He showed me that I had to submit and humble myself before Him in honest confession and true repentance before the healing could begin.
This was and is part of the sanctification process. The putting off the old self and putting on of the new. Ephesians 4:22-24. The putting to death the earthly so that you can set your mind and heart on the heavenly. Colossians 3:1-17.
Here’s a revised version of a comment I made in last week’s blog that is relevant to this discussion:
“We all have carried, are carrying, or will carry wounds of some sort. Some are self-inflicted because of foolish decisions, careless actions, or willful misdeeds. …Still, other wounds are the result of cruel attacks and evil intentions by those who should have our best interests at heart.
Wounds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are physical – visible to all you meet. Others are mental or emotional wounds that nobody sees….”
Friend, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior…
There is absolutely nothing in your past, present, or future that can make God stop loving you. Think about this, before the foundation of the earth, God knew you and He chose you.
Your past that grieves you so and the sin of tomorrow that will break your heart, God knew and still He chose YOU.
Every open wound you carry, have ever carried, or will ever carry, whatever the cause, God knows all about it. And He knows what it will take to heal it. More importantly, He has the power to heal.
As you submit to the Father, wait for the healing to begin, and the scar to form, know this with all your heart, body, soul, and mind:
- There is no wound, no brokenness, no injury to your body, soul, mind, or heart that God cannot heal.
- There is no thought, no action, no sin that God cannot forgive.
- There is no emptiness, no longing, no heart’s desire that God cannot fill.
- There is no flaw, no weakness, no infirmity, and no imperfection that can keep God from healing and using you.
- There is nothing, absolutely NO THING – in heaven or hell or on this earth, that can snatch you away from your Heavenly Father’s hand.
You are forever and always in His firm and almighty grasp.
I don’t know your situation, but God does. All I know is that open wounds can be extraordinarily difficult and very painful. Don’t let the pain of your situation take your eyes off the only One who knows and loves you perfectly.
In the life of a believer, pain has purpose.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Fill your heart and mind with God’s promises.
May God give you wisdom and insight in times of pain and trial.
May He fill you with comfort and bring healing.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life…your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Psalm 138:7-8