In the world we find many distractions that would lead us away from the healing that only Christ can offer. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, pornography, money, power, hate, perfectionism, social media, anything to help them find meaning and purpose, identity and healing that comes from the separation we have here in mortality from God. Only Christ though can truly heal us.
This week as I have looked forward to this wonderful month of Thanksgiving which perhaps is my favorite holiday, I have started reflecting again on my blessings. At the top of the list I have thought of the author of my blessings my Creator, to whom I owe life, love, happiness, healing and hope.
In the world we find many distractions that would lead us away from the healing that only Christ can offer. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, pornography, money, power, hate, perfectionism, social media, anything to help them find meaning and purpose, identity and healing that comes from the separation we have here in mortality from God. Only Christ though can truly heal us.
How can we access that healing power that is a gift? As a nineteen year old student in Europe I can remember feeling far from home and missing my family. As the winter approached and grey clouds and cold gathered, I missed the comfort and security that I often found in the warmth of my home, surrounded by parents who loved me and siblings who deeply cared for me. I can remember one day being alone in my apartment, full of sadness. I knelt on my knees and offered up a vocal prayer to God. In that moment sun rays came through my window and landed on my head. The same feeling of warmth filled my whole body with so much love that my eyes began to fill with tears. I knew at that moment that I was not alone, that God was with me. I knew that no matter where I was in the world, His light like the sun would shine on me, that I was His precious daughter, and that He was watching over me, protecting me, nurturing me, and giving me strength.
In moments of sadness or loneliness still as I am far from family and comforts of home, I reflect on that feeling, again and again. Often I find myself on my knees alone in a room, longing to feel that closeness, approval from God and feeling it once more.
My sister-in-law whom I often refer to as an angel once taught me that beautiful lesson. When she feels hurt, overwhelmed, alone, or sad, she often quietly slips away into her room and kneels next to her bed to cry to God. What if we turned to Him first, every time we felt those feelings? Would He answer our prayers? If one of my children came to me crying, would I turn away or would I answer their need? Of course I would comfort them, of course I would dry their tears. If I, whose love is so limited can feel that way toward my child, how much more does our perfect Father in Heaven, long to comfort us and dry our tears? That is perhaps one of His greatest joys.
I am thankful for the quiet feelings and thoughts that come as we turn to Him, in every thought, in every moment. He is listening, He is there, He will heal you.
Invitation: The next time you need healing, instead of turning to social media, chocolate, or even a friend, try kneeling next to your bed and pouring out your heart to God. Then wait for His answer, and allow His love to fill your soul.
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