Scars are part of us...
Hurt is such a central part of living that it defines us. The combination of ups and downs we experience in life ultimately forms our unique identity. That is not to say, however, that all pain is equal. Some wounds are much larger, and the scars they leave are more life-altering.
It is often the invisible wounds that leave the largest scars. Emotional pain can be the most debilitating of all -- if emotional hurts are not addressed, they can fester like an open wound. They can live in the subconscious mind, waiting for moments of vulnerability to ambush us. Psychologist Dr. Alison Cook points out that strong emotional wounds tend to:
Come out in sarcasm or bitterness toward others
Overcome you with extreme reactions to minor incidents
Hijack you unexpectedly with a flood of anger, fear, or loneliness
Make you feel powerless or hopeless
Negatively impact your view of yourself
Emotional wounds imprison us.
Freedom from emotional hurt and depression is a process, not an event. The healing process begins with an honest examination -- a compassionate look at harmful emotions in order to confront them rather than bury them.
Psychologists like Dr. Cook, who is also a Christian, suggest a number of important steps that are part of the path to healing. These include becoming aware of harmful emotions and carefully exploring the deep-seated causes behind them. This must then be coupled with drawing near to God.
As Believers, we understand that healing begins with an honest look at ourselves and ends beyond ourselves. We can lay our wounds at God's feet -- He can handle our honesty. Acknowledging painful emotions honestly before God helps us gain perspective. It is ultimately God who heals -- He is the 'Source of all comfort' and the true source of power to overcome.
We find healing in surrendering to His hand. He has promised us peace...
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful."
John 14:27
"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusts in thee."
Isaiah 26:3
"For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace:"
Romans 8:6
It may sound flippant to say, 'Just leave it with God.' It's admittedly not that easy.
The process begins with drawing nearer to God and not trying to heal ourselves. It is ultimately His presence that transforms us. "In His presence is fulness of joy." When we get nearer to Him, it inevitably results in our becoming more like Him.
More than that, He paid the price to purchase our healing just as much as our forgiveness.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
The beautiful truth for redeemed believers is that we have been made clean by the blood of Christ. God has not simply covered our sins and failures, He has REMOVED them as far as the East is from the West. We are truly righteous in His eyes -- as in, "Never Sinned." This realization is liberating!
When we experience His mercy and realize the righteousness it bestows, it ultimately draws our eyes away from our inner pain and self-obsession to see the beauty of the Healer. And then, through His eyes, the needs of others.
"Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Psalms 85:10