We recovering procrastinators tend to put off getting help we need. That’s a long term rest buster. I’m not talking about cleaning the garage or carpooling. I mean that particular something that re-opens during quiet time with the Lord or in moments alone. Do certain topics get your back up or prompt tears? Is there something that makes you cry in the night or moves you to busyness so you won’t think about it?
Our son once had a terrible leg wound caused by an accident. No matter how constant our care, it didn’t get any better. It needed specialized attention. Once the folks at the wound clinic tended to it and taught us what to do, the healing transformation was amazing.
It’s not that quick and easy, but our heart wounds often need specialized attention too.
Wounds self-medicated and covered up sap our strength mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically. They affect our fellowship with God and family, our abilities to sleep, concentrate, interact with others, sometimes even to set and reach goals. We do not rest because our wounds take a constant toll on us.
Sometimes we readily admit we have wounds but don’t readily get help. We take little action that supports healing.
We hurt and limp. We” get along” but not as freely as we would without the pain.
We apply Band-Aids to our untreated injuries. We cover our wounds so we can meet the demands on us, keep others from seeing our wounds, or to help us pretend they don’t bother us. Our Band-Aids steal our rest too – activity, misdirected determination to carry on, drink, food, drugs, etc. We have to find these Band-Aids, maintain them, and replace them because they don’t work. We focus on pain avoidance instead of facing the difficulty of dealing with the wound. We limp, wince when touched, and pull back when something comes near the sore place.
God provides people who have the insight and training to minister to sick hearts. We should seek out those who can facilitate our healing. If one person doesn’t work out, we should see another. As healing progresses, the pain and limp improve. The wound is not so “ever present” or controlling. There is rest.
Is it a need to forgive? A sin to confess? Injury from another? Wounds don’t just go away. They drain us, twist our thinking, and affect our relationship with God and others. We limp on the path toward our God directed destination. We can even come off the path because of our pain or reluctance to seek help. It isn’t noble or helpful to others to carry on without the help God has for us. Bringing a wound to light and ministering care results in healing and rest.
Does meditation on the Word turn into brooding on the pain? We should get help without delay.
What wound needs healing in your life? What will you do this week to get help?
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