Is your spirit wounded and suffering? Your heart and soul pierced by the words or actions of others? If we aren’t mindful, painful thoughts will settle down in the recliners of our minds and cause chaos and confusion.
One conversation, one phone call, one comment can wound our souls, our minds, our wills, and our emotions. The good news is, Jesus stands ready to help us. In order to safeguard our hearts and minds and to keep them healthy and at peace, however, we must first accept Jesus’s invitation to come to Him and find rest for our weary souls (Matthew 11:28). Coming to Jesus means we pour out our hearts and our hurts to Him.
God already knows every situation we face, but He wants us to express our struggles to Him. That’s our privilege as children of a loving Father. He invites us to come boldly to His throne of grace, where we will find help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). When we are completely honest with God, we find relief from the conflict and pain we feel.
He listens to us patiently and lovingly, but we must also listen to Him. His healing words bring us comfort, and His wisdom guides us. His direction brings rest for our souls and enables us to overcome our painful struggles.
We are a frail bunch. Oh, we do our best to look strong, but at some point, even the most “got-it-together” Christ-follower can experience a meltdown. I’ve been there many times. And when I am, I go to God and say: “Dear Jesus, I can’t do this without You. I am undone, broken, crushed, and devastated. I need the Holy Spirit to invade every part of my being. I need Your help!”
Every time I’ve turned my eyes totally to Jesus Christ, my God has overshadowed the situation and poured His unfailing love over me. He brings comfort, wisdom, healing, and restoration into my life. He keeps me going!
Entering God’s rest doesn’t just happen; we obtain it by drawing close to God. Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing” (BSB). Proclaiming God’s promises over a situation helps keep our minds on Him and keeps us from losing hope. As we declare His truths over all that concerns us, the power of His Word brings life to those things that seem lifeless. Then our faith will grow, and our doubts and unbeliefs diminish.
Stop dwelling on the painful thoughts and memories that poison our behavior. Evict them in Jesus’s name; replace them with the promises of God. Then His rest and healing will come.
I often use Psalm 23 when I am afraid. I say, “Thank You, heavenly Father, for being my best friend, my shepherd. You offer me a resting place in Your luxurious love. You restore my soul and my life. Your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely for You are near.” When I’m anxious, I declare, “I am free from fear and anxiety. I fear not, for God is with me. I let the peace of God rule in my heart as I keep my focus on God and His Word.”
Yes, His love and promises bring healing for my wounds. And they will do the same for you. Draw close and declare God’s promises for yourself today.
