The Fine Art of Healing Slowly
What health issues in your life are beyond God’s reach? If you think long enough, you will realize you have a subconscious list of things you believe are too big, too bad, or too shameful for God to remove. I believe God capable… but do I believe God willing to heal me?
I’m not sure I even know what “healed” looks like. Some conditions don’t show up on an x-ray or blood test. In order to understand healing, maybe we should define disease. I believe anything that holds you back, physically or mentally, from God’s calling on your life, could be classified as disease. One of its dictionary definitions is, “a particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people.”
I know that being quick to anger and annoyance has adversely affected myself and my family. Our grief over a family tragedy made us moody, fearful, numb, and anxious. What would our lives look like if we were healed of that? One could argue there are pills for these facts of life with grief, but can you call that healing? Can I even expect healing from grief? My son will never walk through my door again, but if he could, it would not erase the terrible knowledge of pain and suffering that we all endured at his passing.
So how would I even know if God was healing me? Can I recognize the miracles God is working in my mind and body, and contend to keep them close to me?
Sometimes we need a benchmark. What things would need to happen for you to recognize healing in your life? For me, it is consciously observing grace at work in my life.
When I am able to forgive myself and others easily, a healing has taken place. When I find I have forgotten to be mad, let an annoying thing slide off me without regard, or found myself unexpectedly laughing at something that used to cause me anxiety… these are the benchmarks of healing. Seeing others with compassion, having patience, enduring suffering with hope for tomorrow; all benchmarks of the grace of God that heals from within.
The slow steady drip of anointing that soothes the heartache, always brings with it new understanding and wisdom. It is wisdom you might not have otherwise received, and it is precious in the eyes of the Lord. He rejoices in your health and died on a cross to deliver it to you. He withholds nothing from you that is beneficial. Pray that your eyes are opened to the benchmarks you have already met on the road to healing. The Lord is an active participant in your healing- cast your cares upon Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30).
Now, remain committed to seeing and celebrating the benchmarks of healing the Lord is working on your behalf. Matthew 6:22-23 says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” In other words, see and acknowledge the light of God’s healing in your mind’s eye, and it will follow through in your life.
Personal reflection:
1. Are there things you are struggling with that only God can heal? What are they?
2. What would your life look like if you were healed of these things? Have you experienced some healing already?
3. How would being healed help you to define and follow your dreams?
Goal setting and sharing: List 3 goals that you would like to accomplish (at home, at work, with family, etc) that will allow you to live out your purpose in regards to healing:
CREATED WOMAN AGUST LINE UP: HEALING/SELF-CARE
Self-care is not selfish!
Self-care most often requires us to take steps towards understanding our hurts, disappointments, griefs, or life transitions. It’s not selfish, it’s a necessity. For you and the ones who are around you.
August theme is all about self-care. Yes, it might actually be called ‘Healing’ but aren’t they the same?
We believe we cannot be our best self unless we embrace the beauty of God’s healing power. By walking through and in His grace, we experience healing, strength, peace and restoration ultimately bringing life to others in our family and community.
Don’t walk alone, your tribe is right here and we want to walk beside you.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV):When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Podcasts
August 13th, Marcie Elliott-Smith, Dreams never die Pt. 3
August 27th, Stacy McVane, Hustle To Healing
Weekly Devotionals every Monday & Wednesday:
- Heal Yo' Self Before You Wreck Yo' Self
- Untangling Hurts & Losses
- Raise A Hallelujah
- The Fine Art Of Healing Slowly
- Girls Gone Loose
- The Overwhelming Fear I thought Would Never End
- Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired