The Motions of Healing with God: Becoming Whole Again

^{Photo by Ketut Subiyanto}

Becoming whole again is a rough journey. There are obstacles and dangers, and even times when the journey never ends. When we heal ourselves, we are immersed in a whole medley of emotions.

Relief becomes like a wave that washes over us, helping us to close wounds and escape from darkness.

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;

    save me, and I will be saved,

    for you are the one I praise.

– Jeremiah 17:14

Through the Lord, healing becomes not an act of desperation but a journey of certainty. When we invoke God in our recovery, hope blossoms, as does strength. Resilience solidifies and takes a firm root as we more easily navigate the emotional turmoil roiling inside of us.

Yet, healing is more than just God’s grace inhabiting our wounds, physical or otherwise.

Life is a long pilgrimage, a sacred communion between our bodies and our souls. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands of God, each a miracle like a world being created again.

Healing with God: The Body as a Temple

^{Photo by Arina Krasnikova}

Physical healing is a testament to God’s divine orchestration.

Even a simple scrape on the knee showcases this: a cascade of events unfolds beneath the skin, mirroring the very work of the Holy Spirit. Platelets gather, like a congregation offering comfort, to stem the bleeding. White blood cells, empowered by God, fight infection. Fibroblasts, instruments of His creation, weave new collagen fibers, knitting the broken skin back together. This intricate process, though physical, reflects the divine presence within us.

Healing the emotions, however, is a journey through the labyrinth of our soul. There’s no single path, no set timeline, for it is a conversation with God himself. We grapple with loss and navigate the complexities of grief, learning to live with the scars of life’s battles.

Healing can be messy, filled with setbacks and moments of overwhelming emotion. But within this crucible, our faith is strengthened, and we are given meaning.

Healing with God: Finding Refuge

The influence of our environment on healing cannot be overstated. When we are outside, we are closer to God, and thus, our healing comes quicker. Time spent in nature, a walk amidst the trees, the gentle caress of a sea breeze, or the quiet contemplation of a garden provides space for communion and renewal.

Additionally, strong social connections, be it with family, friends, or a faith community, offer a sense of belonging, a safe space to share our vulnerabilities, and encouragement from our brothers and sisters in Christ.

^{Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom}

Healing with God: Tools for the Journey

There are practices we can incorporate into our healing journey.

Prayerful meditation allows us to cultivate awareness of our thoughts and emotions, placing them at the foot of the cross. By observing our inner landscape with compassion, we can disentangle ourselves from negativity and create space for the healing grace of God.

Journaling allows us to express our experiences and process emotions, while scripture offers a guiding light and a source of comfort.

Physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood-lifters that can combat stress and anxiety.

Even creative endeavors can be powerful avenues for exploring and expressing emotions, fostering a sense of catharsis and self-discovery, all gifts from the Creator.

Growing from the Scars of Healing

Healing is not always about returning to who we were before. We may want to return to a time before the hurt, but we cannot. Trauma leaves its mark and shapes us in the most profound ways.

But within these scars lies the potential for growth.

By embracing both our positive and negative experiences, we can cultivate a deeper self-awareness and develop the strength to face future challenges, relying on the promises found in scripture.

Healing is a lifelong pursuit, a continuous dance between resilience and vulnerability. It is a testament to the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit, empowered by God’s love, to mend, grow, and thrive.

As we share our stories, offer support to others, and embrace the tools at our disposal, we can create a world where healing is a journey of empowerment and growth, reflecting the love and compassion of our Lord and Creator.

If you want to know more about healing with God, there are plenty of books out there on addiction, recovery, healing, and more.