Let It Heal
Her little fingers scratched while she slept. And this morning it was there again: fresh blood flowing from her head. A months-old wound reopened. A scab that won't go away. It won't go away because she won't let it. She won't let the balm do its thing. She won't let her body respond. She, simply, won't allow it heal."Oh Sweetheart, let it heal!" I have begged her daily for the past three months. "You HAVE to stop scratching. You HAVE to let it heal."
And every day, my heart hears it too. For I too have old wounds that are flowing with fresh blood.There are times that have stayed with me. There are things that I can't shake. Issues from days gone by. Pains that I hold on to. Wounds that I keep alive by picking and digging and brooding. Little places in my heart where unforgiveness festers. Things that I keep from the healing hand of God... for oh-so-many reasons.
Oh Sweetheart, let it heal.
_ _ _
Emotional healing is not a linear journey. And forgiveness is not easy. It's not a procedural science. It's not a measurable course. It's not the same, anytime. Emotional healing has layers of phases and seasons and hurdles. It has ebbs and flows. It is one step forward and two steps backward. It is a daily part of life. And we can either participate in it well... or not.
There is no way around it: We are an essential part of our own healing journeys. For wounds left ignored will become more than they should. Our hands and attention are needed. Our care and caring. But it can go too far. Or, it can get out of whack. Or, it can become self-affliction instead of self-care. When picking and pulling and digging at our pains create an ongoing mess.What old wounds are you holding today? What scab do you pick at? What can't you let go of? What do you keep away from God's healing hand?
Oh Sweetheart. Let go. Let it go. Let it be. Let it heal.
Let God heal you. Let His hands apply the balm you need. Stop scratching it. Stop keeping it away from His care.Your freedom is what's at stake. Your joy. Your enjoyment. Your love. Your wholeness. You. Beautiful you.
Oh Sweetheart, wouldn't it be so wonderful to be done with that old wound?
Today I'm looking for old wounds. Looking for any pains that I mindlessly picking at... pains that have become normal part of my life when they are not at all normal. And definitely not good. Holy Spirit, point out the diseased, limping, wounded parts of my heart. Show me things that need Your healing.
And I'm considering my scars of wounds healed. My victories over pain. My recoveries from hurt. My trophy case of the Holy Spirit's work in my life. Honestly, truly, those scars make me smile and have hope. I have walked into healing before. Many times. It wasn't easy but it did happen. By God's grace and in His strength. I have been healed. I am healing. I will be healed. Yahweh thank You for healing me over and over and over. Even today. I needed it. I need You.
My sweet child's little wound has shouted out to my heart: Don't let these things drag on!Today is a day of healing. I'm declaring it! And choosing it. Selah.
This is what the LORD says: Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago. I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don't you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land. (Isaiah 43:18-19 GWT)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3 ESV)
[I will] ... forgive people... [their reckless and willful sins, letting go, and giving up resentment] (Matthew 6:14a AMP)
An important side note about professional counseling: Have something in your heart that feels too big? Or a nagging thing that you can't escape? Or feel a craving for wisdom and insight beyond your own thoughts? Pray about seeing a trained Counselor. There are gifted and anointed people who have trained to provide guidance and support in the healing journey. My personal view about Counseling is: it's not a matter of "if" I'll need it... it's a matter of when. I know I will need it. I have in the past and I will need it again. Because we are designed to heal in the context of community. God didn't make us to do any of this life alone. And seeking professional support is an incredible gift to yourself. I love love love my girlfriends and my mentors and my wise husband... but none of them are trained counselors! Eventhough some of them like to pretend they are. (Haha!) But seriously: I don't expect them to be my counselor. And there are days and seasons and situations when a professional counselor is an essential part of the healing journey. So, pray about it. Ok? Don't be afraid. Don't be ashamed. Do everything and anything you can to help your healing journey! You are worth it.