ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A HEALING TOUCH IN YOUR LIFE?
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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Our God abides ever close to us. He is the constant in our lives… always faithful, never changing (Deuteronomy 7:9). In trying times of brokenness, we need to sense His presence even more. For in these times He can seem distant, far from our hurting. Yet from gray clouds that darken the skies, God brings renewing rain that waters the earth.
Suffering, grief, sorrow, pain, loss… all can lead to a broken heart. The oppressive weight of sadness or sin can crush the spirit. Emotional and spiritual affliction can dishearten the soul. Often our response is to turn inward in self-pity and despair. Yet the Lord calls us to turn upward in hope… to remember Him… the One whose mercies are without end (Lamentations 3:22).
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Our heavenly Father, who rules over all creation, amazingly cares deeply for the concerns of His people. He is ever ready to hear, to help and to heal. How wonderful that we have a God who is so personal (Deuteronomy 31:8).
The Creator actively works to restore His created beings (1 Peter 5:10). We come torn and tattered, bruised and broken emotionally and spiritually from living in a fallen world. Adversity takes its toll, crushing the spirit. We long for His comfort, His healing touch in our lives.
In biblical times, wounds were bound tightly with bandages to avert infection. God carefully, lovingly binds up all who are wounded, all who are broken (Jeremiah 30:17). His powerful healing touch saves and renews, now and for all eternity.
“For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’” – Isaiah 57:15
Our Father’s loving devotion towards us is boundless. He promises to renew and revive the heart and spirit of all who humbly look to Him… who faithfully depend on His power in their lives. He has compassion on the afflicted and comforts them (Isaiah 49:13). He promises to ease their discouragement and dismay… and restore their courage, confidence and hope.
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” – Isaiah 44:22
God’s chosen nation of Israel suffered much at the hand of their enemies. Unrelenting sin and waywardness had caused His people to move out of His favor and protection. Through prophet after prophet, God called for them to return to Him. He asked only for their humble and contrite hearts (Isaiah 66:2). He promised them redemption, restoration and healing.
We have suffered much at the hand of the enemy of our souls. We have become immersed in the world, downtrodden by life… forgetting the One who never forgets us. A call to return, sent out by our loving Father, touches our spirit. He casts our sins away forever (Micah 7:19). He redeems us from the pit and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:4).
“’Peace, peace, to those far and near,’ says the Lord. ‘And I will heal them.’” – Isaiah 57:19
“Peace” here is the Hebrew word “shalom”. Its definition goes beyond a mere absence of conflict. Shalom encompasses completeness, wholeness, harmony, safety, rest. It is the inner healing that flows from God’s presence, power and protection. Peace is offered to those far and near in time… looking forward to the prophesied Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6).
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted… Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:18, 21 (Isaiah 61:1)
After a time of testing in the wilderness, Jesus began His earthly ministry. His travels took Him to His hometown of Nazareth. On the Sabbath, Jesus went to the local synagogue as was His custom. When handed a scroll from the prophet Isaiah, He read this prophetic passage… unmistakably proclaiming His messiahship to all.
For Jesus is the One sent by the Father to heal all who believe in Him. It is a healing of mind, body and spirit. In this fallen world, we are battered by life and oppressed by the enemy. We experience much suffering, sadness and pain. Jesus is our compassionate physician who heals our brokenness.
“A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish.” – Isaiah 42:3
This is a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the humble Healer. Peace emanates from His gentle Spirit. He remembers the hurting (Ezekiel 34:16). He will not cast aside the broken nor will He quench any flicker of hope in the disheartened. Jesus tenderly lifts the downcast above their troubles and sufferings. He heals the deepest wounds of heart and soul.
“He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Come to Jesus, the Great Physician. He is the ultimate Healer who bore it all for us. He spares us from death and reconciles us to God (Romans 5:10). Bring Him your suffering, your sorrow. However crushed or despairing you may seem, you are never beyond the help of the Healer. He is anointed to heal your woundedness and restore your spirit. Let Jesus heal your brokenness.
