Our wounds cry out for attention. Pain screams for relief. We ache to be better, long for our brokenness to be fixed, and often try everything else at our disposal before asking God to assist us.
Yet what the world offers so often feels like a sticking plaster approach. The hurt goes on festering within, covered over and concealed as it may be. And more than that, without the right attention wounds worsen, grow septic, cause greater danger to our health.
Soul wounds are no different in this respect. They require the Healer’s touch, often deep excision to cut away all that is not fitting for us as children of God. It hurts. It really hurts, but in a good way. Becoming whole is more than a slow piecing together again, sealed with a hug and kiss; it’s complete renewal, total transformation that is needed.
The world may help us with many things but our greatest soul solace is to go to our Saviour, rest in the comfort of His presence, learn wisdom from His loving heart. We seek the solution only God can offer – complete cleansing and mending. And when we do we just might hear Him speak, like He whispered these words to me…
Prayer Whisper: Wounds and Joy
“I, too, bear wounds. Mine are in My hands, feet, heart and head for eternity. I bear the wounds of sin and pain for all humanity. And I will pour the oil of joy into your wounds, bind up the hurt and soothe your pain with My peace.
You will walk as a wounded healer through this world as your wounds enable you to bring My love, compassion and care into the lives of others. You may not be fully healed of them in this lifetime, but you will be able to live with them
Joy waits on the other side of grief and sits with sadness. It is more than a feeling. It’s a chasing after grace, a deliberate turning in My direction when you feel low and wretched.
Joy is a conscious choice you make as you decide what direction your thoughts will take. A mind redeemed and renewed by My Word is a mind set on peace and joy.
Open the windows of your soul and see its presence. Open the door of your heart and let it in. Joy is yours for the taking.”
Our wounds and problems make us feel less than useful or able, so it seems surprising to think we are well placed to help others while we remain wounded ourselves. I believe we can be wounded healers because we know what it is to be broken, dependent on God for the healing we need.
Most of all, we know the Healer himself, sit under the protective cover of His wings, experience His help in all things, witness Him changing us or our circumstances, and are grateful recipients of His grace, mercy and peace. We can joyfully point the way to our Saviour and be the means of refreshing others.That has to count for something, yes?
Welcome to #day19 of #write31days of journeying into joy.
Do you see your broken, wounded state as a potential means of grace? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Poetry Joy 
Oh yes, Joy, your words have certainly become means of refreshment to my soul. Over and over again. And today as I read this in the beginning of your whispers from God: “And I will pour the oil of joy into your wounds, bind up the hurt and soothe your pain with My peace,” I knew that He was asking me to revisit a whispered song that He had given to me many years ago. I thought it was only for that long-ago-season in my life, but today I hear His whispers that He has a new joy and healing to bring for this season too. Thank you for pointing me to the words of our Savior, my dear friend! May He bless you to know more of His Joy. xoxo
Oh wow, Bettie, how amazing to have been the means of blessing you again! I’ve yet to visit your blog today but I know God always speaks to me there. It’s a wonderful grace gift to be able to help and support one another on our individual writing challenges this month, and one that has lifted me enormously. With the passing days I find myself becoming more physically weary and worn out, yet God is still inspiring and strengthening me to continue to write. Though I have no idea as yet how the last week or so will shape itself. it’s quite a faith adventure we are on together, isn’t it?! xox
It counts for everything, dear Sister, everything!
Oh good! Thank you, dear Brother, for your unfailing support and wonderful way of seeing God’s hand at work within these posts. 🙂
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Being a wounded healer… a wonderful and thoughtful blog from my Sister, Joy… another perspective on a concept I first came across years ago through the writings of Fr Henri Nouewen.
This is so encouraging, Joy. Yes, He will pour the oil of joy into our wounds. I love the truth that our wounds actually enable us to bring His love, compassion, and care into the lives of others. Being wounded isn’t easy, but there’s joy in being a wounded healer to bring more glory to Christ. Blessings and hugs to you!
Trudy, I have been encouraged by your words here: “Being wounded isn’t easy, but there’s joy in being a wounded healer to bring more glory to Christ.” Amen, my friend! Thank you so much for stopping by so frequently during this writing challenge. I really appreciate you being here. xox
This: “Our wounds and problems make us feel less than useful or able, so it seems surprising to think we are well placed to help others while we remain wounded ourselves. I believe we can be wounded healers because we know what it is to be broken, dependent on God for the healing we need.” Have you read Henri Nouwen’s book “Wounded Healer?”
Tara, although I have read a few books by Henri Nouwen, this one seems to have passed me by. I will have to rectify that! Thanks for asking. Bless you, friend. xo