Healing for the Heart
Encouragement and Truth for the Chronically Ill
by
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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Sometimes life just hurts. Our human hearts and emotions are frail; they are not made to withstand trauma. The burdens and challenges of our situation can be too much for us to handle. We might wake up in the night with a heart that is hurting, unable to stand the pain. The wounds are so deep we don’t think they will ever heal. We may think of our distress as a constant ache or a soul in agony. These are wounds that no doctor can do anything for and that no medicine or treatment will help. What other way is there to describe our condition except that we are brokenhearted?
Does God understand the pain of our heart? Oh, yes. He records in His Word the cries of others who have gone before us. Some of them express their pain very strongly. The psalmists refer to things like constant sorrow and troubles of the soul. They speak of being crushed, benumbed, faint, and wounded in their spirits. They talk of groaning and weeping. Our similar cries of pain are no surprise or shock to God.
How does God respond to us in these times of intense hurt? God knows. He sees. His eyes are always on us. He does not miss a single trouble or hurt that comes into our lives. He is never unaware of our pain. He knows how hard it is, and He responds with loving compassion. God supports the afflicted. He heals the hearts that are broken, and He binds up the wounds that are deep in our souls.
God may heal partially through the love of others, but He can also give healing from Himself without needing to use any external sources. God is the only one who can give this kind of healing, and He can do it without help. God can heal the wounds completely, and any scars that remain are merely reminders of the healing He has given. When God heals, it doesn’t hurt anymore.
“Father, I’m hurting beyond belief. Will You heal my broken heart?”
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About the Book
Cancer, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis are just a few of the chronic illnesses that plague many Americans, and Christians are not exempt. Living with a serious illness is not easy. The challenges extend far beyond the physical realm, and maintaining a strong Christian testimony is difficult. Growing in godliness and pleasing God do not come naturally.
In the midst of such complex challenges, even the most mature Christians need help. They need more than just shared life stories or practical tips for facing their disease. They need more than poignant illustrations to inspire them or amusing anecdotes to make them laugh. While each of these aspects is helpful, what sufferers need most is the encouraging truth of the Bible. Only the supernatural, unchanging Word of God can give genuine comfort and effective help.
Healing for the Heart is a devotional designed for Christians who are serious about seeking God’s help in their time of illness. The entries are focused on Bible truths and are designed to provide encouragement, instruction, and gentle challenge. Strengthen your heart on a daily basis with this biblically-based and compassionately-shared truth.
About the Author
Peggy Holt learned about the challenges of chronic illness through a four-year bout with Lyme disease. A resulting job loss allowed her to focus on God’s lessons for her so she could effectively share them with others. She now resides in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where she enjoys teaching a ladies’ Sunday school class.