The line “if symptoms persist consult your doctor” is a mainstay in every advertisement for over-the-counter medication. This is usually because such medicines treat only the symptom and not the root cause of the health problem. It usually just provides temporary relief for acute pain, but never the chronic one that is indicative of a more serious illness.
Humans like us tend to gravitate towards numbing our pain, instead of treating its root cause. Maybe because it is easier for us to do, more accessible, immediate, and less terrifying than undergoing a battery of tests and facing the doctor to get a diagnosis.
The same is true for our spiritual and emotional ailments. We tend to reach out for what seems to be an easier way out from pain. The faster way to relief, even if it is just temporary, oftentimes ineffective, and hardly a long term solution for our issues.
“Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5
But when we realize that Jesus is all we need, we can finally receive the emotional healing that we need. When we surrender all of ourselves to Him, including our past, our sins, and all of our worries, we get to finally emerge from the darkness that envelops our world.
We can now finally see the light, the goodness in this world, and we will realize every blessing that we have. No longer will we wallow in self-pity, cower in fear and anxiety, get saddled with grief and despair, and struggle with hopelessness.
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
Jesus, however, is a gentleman, He will not heal us if we will not allow Him to. In the bible, Jesus was often quoted as asking the lame, lepers, and other sick people if they wanted to be healed. The same is true for us. We have to come to Him for our emotional and spiritual struggles, and ask Him to heal us.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
So how do we, present day believers literally do this? We come to the Lord in humble prayer, asking for Him to forgive every wrong thing we have done. We unburden our guilt to Him, and ask Him for His forgiveness.
We would then pray to Him for the strength to step away from our sinful lifestyle, and the grace to grow our faith. We then try nurturing our spiritual growth by praying everyday, reading the Bible and reflecting on what it means and how we can apply it in our lives. We also go to church every Sunday, and join Bible study groups and church activities so we could get to know the Lord more.
When we know God’s character more, as well as His teachings and His promises, we will be able to hold on to an everlasting hope on our one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. It is then when we will be truly healed.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 34 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you feel like you cannot move on from your emotional pain and struggles? How can a loving and close relationship with Jesus help you heal?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for offering to heal us from all of our sorrows. You truly are our light and source of healing. Give us the grace to accept your healing, and follow you closely moving forward. Amen.
