Jehovah Rapha

Jehovah Rahpa, God is my Healer.

We live in a world filled with a lot of avenues for finding healing don't we? There are more self help books on the shelf then we could possibly read in our life time. What about all the counselors, psychiatrist, and other therapist which are are in great demand-all because we live in a messed up world. They are good and I believe God puts them there to guide us towards Him but you know, I have to agree with Kay Arthur in my reading today...God is all we need.

He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction. ~Ps 107: 20 (Amplified)

I have sat in their chairs, read those book and for a short time, I may have been comforted and even guided but many times I still found myself frustrated, fighting the same demons, not quite whole from whatever it was that brought me to that chair. It has been a constant struggle for me...this bitterness & unforgiveness. It has been one thing after another that has fertilized its growth in my life. Even when I have claimed to have given it to God it has remained rooted deep in my soul. I have struggled with alleviating this. Have you ever worn these shoes? Surely I am not alone.

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. ~Jeremiah 17:14

Two things have become very apparent to me...finally. It is not rocket science. It is simply a part of letting go of our selfish pride and truly surrendering to God in all things. I personally have not gotten this right for 47 years. Until now...

First, you have to praise Him no matter what. There have been days when I have had to reach deep because I was so discouraged and disheartened. Recently I wrecked my car that I am not too fond of. I was hoping it would be totaled. It's not. I praise God for the wreck because I did get that loose piece of grill replaced on the front because of this. I praise God that no one was hurt, no tickets were issued.

You praise Him anyway. Then look for Him to work in it....the weeks we had the rental van worked out great because my daughters birthday fell in that time and I now had more seats to transport the kids to the party destination. Insurance is paying for the rental.

You praise Him anyway.

Second, if you are ever going to be healed, if you are ever going to be made whole, you must have the balm of Gilead. I have been studying Jeremiah. Those days are very similar to our days. Destruction and evil prevailed even in the lives of Christians. Jeremiah asked his people in chapter 8, verse 22

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?

Jeremiah was trying to get the attention of the people to turn away from all the other remedies they were trying in their attempt to find peace and healing and to turn to God, the ultimate physician and healer. Just like today. God's Word is the balm they needed for healing and the same applies today. And ladies...this time I am a testament to this!

After a devastation that so threatened my faith, I choose to read and memorize my scripture verses I had recorded in my spiral for this year. Even when I didn't feel like it, every morning I pulled out that spiral and mediated on Gods Word. It was amazing how scripture I had chosen months ago was now the balm for my wounds. I had recorded scripture to pray for each circumstance in my life that was causing me pain and daily I focused on it. It has been amazing how it has soften me and healed me.

I now sit here before my computer FREE. More free than I have ever been in my life. I truly can say I can account this healing all because of His Words. This nagging bitterness and unforgiveness had been replaced with a peace that surpasses anything I have ever experienced...daily. Words spoken last week that normally would have hurt were swept over my heart unoffended...truly unoffended.

Kay Arthur stated in her book "Lord Heal My Hurt":

"If God is able to save man from himself and his sin, if God is able to save man from hell, and it God is able to make a person a new creature in Christ Jesus all through faith in His Word alone, then can't God enable us to live above our hurts as we take Him at His Word? "

Take Him at His Word!! I did and it worked!! For 47 years I have known scripture but not like I do now since I started memorizing it a year and a half ago. No greater transformation has occurred in my life. There is no excuse not to do this. I even bought my husband his little 3X5 spiral to start His journey in this. I wasted too many years not doing this. You have to be in the Word to do this. constant repetition of scripture daily has an amazing affect. Meditate and dwell on it. Memorize it!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. ~Proverbs 18:10

Kay also stated:

" Once the bitterness, resentment, anxiety, or pain is removed, there comes a new softness, a quiet serenity bringing new beauty. "

And that my friend can only come from God!

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever,” (Psalm 73:26).

Friend, who do you run to in times of trouble? Who do you run to first? Jehovah Rapha...He is your healer, He is the great physician. Run to Him! It's more than just praying though praying is vital. Dwell with Him in His Word and see what happens. I can promise you that you won't be disappointed. Be patient. It took two months for me this time but the healing has indeed come from Him and Him alone. I would have it no other way.

Thank you Jehovah Rapha, My Holy God, for your love, your grace, and your forgiveness. I fall short too many times but you are the one I can always count on. The wounds were deep this time but You were the strength of my heart. I have learned how sweet and how pleasant it is to dwell in Your Truth and to be healed. Oh Father, Help me to lead others to the "balm of Gilead"...your Word, your healing. I am your servant. ~ Amen

Believing Him~Pamela