Just A Thought

 Emotional healing requires openness, vulnerability and intimacy. Like heart surgery, it is sometimes invasive and requires skilled assistance. But it always starts with opening up to the God, the Great Physician. We find some good examples of this kind of praying in the Psalms of David. He was hurt by his brothers, his boss, his wives, those he ruled and his children. He was also hurt by bad choices he made.  Listen to this prayer found in Psalm 13 MSG:

Long enough, GOD—you’ve ignored me long enough. I’ve looked at the back of your headlong enough. Long enough I’ve carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me.

Take a good look at me, GOD, my God; I want to look life in the eye, So no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face.

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.

David knew how to be vulnerable with God. This included being honest. Here are a few things about which we all need to be honest: 

·      Life is brutal.

·      Everyone gets hurt. 

·      God can handle honest conversations.

·      Many times healing begins with confession and obedience.

·      We need to worship Him even when we hurt and do not understand.

Like other kinds of healing, emotional healing may take time. Again, it is much like recovering from heart surgery. Henry Ford Health says “Patients recovering from open-heart surgery typically attend up to three cardiac rehab sessions per week for three months. They recommend that patients reset their lifestyle habits. During recovery, take the opportunity to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. They further recommend a heart healthy diet, that includes avoiding foods high in sodium and saturated fat.”

Emotional healing starts with diagnosis. When you see symptoms of emotional issues, it is important to talk to God about your thoughts and feelings. In response, God will often begin showing you the source of the symptoms and the path to healing. This initial stage of healing may happen through a sermon, book or traumatic event. 

Some issues may require major surgery. You may need to spend a significant amount of time in prayer and Bible reading. God will often use spiritual advisors in your life for this kind of ministry. That means that you may need to ask for help and then get honest with your counselor. Sometimes God will also ask you to make some adjustments, ask and give forgiveness, and apply other biblical principles to your situation. He may also do some instantaneous healing, especially in times of prayer and worship.  Many times people are healed in stages; that is why it is important to keep going to God until you can tell the healing has taken place.

Finally, there may be a season of recovery when you can reset thought patterns and emotional habits. God will provide the direction if you will pay attention and stay engaged in prayer, counseling and church attendance. Be patient and responsive to God – your therapist. 

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Tuesday, July 22, 2025