Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” Psalm 56:8 (KJV)
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I sat in the garage, afraid to open the floodgates. I swallowed the knot in my throat, attempting to stop those salty nuances from spilling over my cheeks. But Curtis gently reminded me that crying is okay. So I let it out. The tears silently told my story—the same old story they tell every time they fall.
"Why does it still hurt?" I wondered.
The ache of brokenness lingered.
"I guess I just have a few scars." I shrugged it away.
Later I talked to God about the things He already knows—the things deep beneath the surface that no one else has seen. In His grace He brought me to a teaching from Beth Moore. She spoke of the difference between a scar and a wound.
You see a scar doesn't hurt anymore. It's only a reminder of what used to be, a place that was once open but is now closed up, completely healed. You can touch a scar without feeling its former pain. You can graze across it without flinching or crying or pulling away in fear. But a wound has a different reality. A wound hurts to the touch. A wound still brings about tears. It is still open. It is still vulnerable. It is still in need of healing.
I was not bearing the pain of scars. I only mistook them for scars because of the time that lapsed. But time does not heal all wounds. I stood in need of the only One who could mend them--the Great Physician. So I knelt. I bowed. And I reached out for just one touch of His garment, offering Him the pieces of this fragmented heart, for He alone is able. And healing came.
I thank God for these hurts, which transform into tools that testify, bringing honor to His name.
I thank God for these hurts, which transform into tools that testify, bringing honor to His name.
Dear friend, Are you in need of healing today? Are you bearing the weight of wounds that you thought were just old scars? Will you allow God to exchange those ashes for the crown of beauty He desires for you--trading mourning for the oil of joy, replacing a spirit of despair with a garment of praise? He is willing, if you are.
"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3 "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
Finding healing in Jesus...
P.S. Today's post wasn't based on yesterday's sermon. I prepared to write about the sermon, which was filled with powerful truth. But this lesson on healing emotional wounds is what has been laying on my heart in my talks with Jesus, so I left it at that. :) Thanks for joining me for Hear it/Use it. - Love ya! {P.P.S. I'm praying for you today... Yup, YOU! ;)}
Finding healing in Jesus...
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Well said, Monique! Time doesn't heal all wounds, only God does. He creates beautiful scars out of our painful wounds. Scars that tell stories of triumph over the worst of situations!
ReplyDeleteWow I never thought of our wounds and scars as the ashes....but it makes sense. Go forth like Hannah! that is my favorite answer to those hurts, because He gave her a promise and it rocked her world, she was not the same woman.
ReplyDeleteJamieJoy, it's so truth that our scars are now a tool to tell our stories of triumph! Praise God for testimonies!
ReplyDelete1-2, I need to revisit that story of Hannah for some continued encouragement! Thanks for that reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Monique. Years ago, in the midst of an incredibly painful season, I remember my pastor telling me that God would one day remove the sting in my heart. I could not fathom it. But God is so faithful. Now I can truly call it a scar. Like you wrote, I can touch it without feeling its former pain. And it's a scar that brings glory to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteHi Monique! Found you through (in)courage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, beautiful post and one that resonates with me.
Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging.
New follower. :)
Well said each words are ringing in my ears.
ReplyDeleteJenn, I'm so thankful to hear that God has healed up your wounds. Thank you for testifying of God's ability. It is hard to imagine how beauty can come from ugly hurts, but it's true. :) Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteKelli, thank you for stopping by. I'll be sure to stop by your place for a visit as well. And thanks for the follow. Blessings to you, beyond measure. :)
Sumi, so glad you visited this place again. And I praise God that these words have resonated with you. -Blessings to you too, beyond measure.
Hi Monique
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post ~ thank you for sharing.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
Blessings
Renata:)
PS I'm visiting from the (in)courage community :)
This is fantastic! I'd never heard that comparison before but I plan to use it in my own life. When things come up from the past that hurt, I need to pray for scar not a wound :). Thanks, Monique :).
ReplyDeleteSuch a great truth, Monique. I'm thankful that our Great Physician can heal those wounds in our hearts. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Monique. Your words have healing power through Him.
ReplyDeleteSong: Scars Are A Sign Of Healing
ReplyDeleteYes it's true for each scar
There's been suffering
For every scar there's a story of pain
But the life thats completely surrendered
Can somwhow see God in all things
Scars are a sign of healing
Like the rainbow that follows the rain
Wounds that are open feel the most pain
But the scars are a sign of healing
Many lives have been wrecked by wrong living
And sin is sure to somehow leave it's mark
But through God it's a miracle of mercy
That nothing is left but a scar
I pray God heals your wounds. It takes time for scars to heal but the Great Physician has the best love, care and medicine. I had never heard the 'difference' between the two before.
ReplyDeleteMonique, the story of the woman with the issue of blood is absolutely one of my favorites. I know first hand the power of just reaching out my hand to touch the hem of His garment. Truly God heals places unreachable by man.
ReplyDeleteRenata, so glad you have you stop by here. :) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFawn, I'm so encouraged to know that this concept will stay with you! Thanks for stopping by again. So glad to have you here.
Renee, Amen! I praise God that He is the Healer and everything we need. :)
Carla, thanks for stopping in today and for commenting. You're always so encouraging. I love you, sister!
Betty, what a perfectly fitting song! I've never heard that before. Did you write it? ... Thank you for stopping by today, and for your sweet comment. Glad to have you here.
Shanda, thank you so much for the prayers. God is definitely doing a work in my life and I'm so thankful. You're so right about His medicine and care. Blessings to you!
Shannon, Amen, sister! He does heal the places unreachable by man. Thankful that you stopped by today. :)
I can so relate to this. There have been many times as a previously physically abused woman that I think my wounds are now scars...only to find myself rocking in a corner again. (although those times come farther and fewer between.) Thank God that he is the balm of Gilead.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. So true.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to bless you as you continue to heal.
Journeytoepiphany, I'm so sorry to hear that you were a victim of abuse. No one should have to endure that. I thank God for the process of healing He has you in. He truly is the Healer. Thank you for stopping by this place.
ReplyDeleteSweet, Karen, thank you for the blessing! God bless you too!
Praying for you, Monique, as God heals your wounds. And thank you for linking up such an important and poignant message today.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a truth... love those thoughts about wounds and scars. Such a good perspective. I hope that God binds up your wounds and allows you to heal.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, thanks so much for praying for me. God is definitely doing a work in me. It's been such a good season of healing and seeking Him!
ReplyDeleteChristina, So, glad to have you here. And thank you for hoping and believing with me for complete healing... not just for me, but for all of our wounds. :) God is faithful & able. xoxo
super fabulous article. I can appreciate the difference you pointed out between scars and wounds; it makes sense. I was directed here because of something I wrote. If would like to read it, here is the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://iheartpurplestuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/broken-hearts-heal.html
Hi The Purple Lady. Thank you for visiting. It's such a pleasure to have you here. I just stopped by your place. Praying for your healing process as well. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this post. God used it to speak to my unhealed wound left from the death of my brother 12 years ago. Healing has been a long, sometimes agonizing, process as I've tried to continue on in my faith journey with so many unanswered questions. I found your blog through your post on (in)courage and would love for you to check out my beginning attempts at sandeestory.blogspot.com. The title of my blog is For Such a Time as This... Would love to connect!
ReplyDeleteHi Sandee, I'm so blessed to know God used this post to speak to your heart. I'm sorry to hear about the death of your brother. I pray that God will continue to comfort you and bring you peace through your process of healing.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to stop by your place. On my way there now. So glad you stopped by here.
-Blessings to you beyond measure, sweet sister in Christ.
The illustration of scars v wounds will stay with me, and I know will be shared with others. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by this place, Pauline. I'm so grateful that this message inspired you.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging post Monique. Very thought provoking, I do find myself trying to dismiss old hurts instead of giving them to God.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet message, and so beautifully written. Thanks for the inspiration:)
ReplyDeleteWow, great post! You are so right in that God is the only one that can heal the wound. I know from experience and it wasn't until I put everything in his hands that I was able to find solace. But I like that I can keep the scars because it reminds me of His mercy in my life, of where he delivered me from. Have you every listened to the song Heal The Wound by Point of Grace? It is amazingly beautiful. Always moves me.
ReplyDeleteKara, thanks for stopping by. You're not alone. I do the same thing at times.
ReplyDeleteAudrey, thank you for visiting and for your words of encouragement! I'll be heading over to your place soon too!
Amen, Maria. I love being reminded of how far God has brought me. I haven't heard that song. I'll have to look it up on youtube! Thanks for stopping by. :)