Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 8, 2020
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
Hurt cannot be avoided this side of heaven. This is an unfortunate outcome from outside forces; self-absorbed family members, insensitive friends, and self-inflicted wounds. The deepest harm comes from those who should love well, but because of their own unresolved hurt, are emotionally injurious. For example, instead of spouses meeting a very real need to love and respect their wife or husband, they tear down with cutting words. They may withhold affection while tempting their marriage partner to find affection elsewhere. Sarcasm scars, rejection injures, anger crushes confidence, and dishonesty destroys trust.
How do we handle deep hurt that has compounded into crazy cycles over many years? Where do we go when the hurt is so unbearable that we stay scared, implode in anger, and grow a root of bitterness? Fortunately, there is a very real hope for healing found in our loving Heavenly Father and His caring children. Healing doesn’t happen by accident, but begins with an intentional acknowledgment of the need for wholeness by God’s grace.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
By faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are a precious child of God. He died for you. You are loved by the Lord and by His loving disciples. Confess to Christ your desperate need for His love and forgiveness. Linger long in the accepting arms of Jesus and let Him love you. You are not alone. He was rejected so you could be accepted. He served so you could serve and be served. He died so you could live. His grace heals.
Furthermore, listen to the gracious words of others who love the Lord. What they say is sincere and true. Reject the lies of the devil and his followers, but embrace the healing truth of trusted friends and counselors. Emotions can betray, but truth keeps you from straying. Confess your sins to Christ and a few confidantes and forgive those who have brought you shameful hurt. Like a deep wound to the flesh, healing takes time, the pain does not go away immediately, the scab is messy, but the scar is a badge of God’s grace.
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 58:8).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, bring healing to my wounded heart, and teach me to forgive.
Application
What hurt in my heart do I need to say out loud and receive the Lord’s love and healing?
Related Reading
Proverbs 12:18; 13:17; Jeremiah 33:6; Acts 10:38; 1 Corinthians 12:28
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