Do You Want To Be Healed?

Jesus looks us in the eyes and asks us gently,

“Do you want to be healed?”

He gazes at us, not seeing our brokenness, but knowing the depths of our hearts, and asks if we want to be healed, to be whole (see John 5:6).

A season of healing is a beautiful, often painful process. One in which vulnerabilities are made known and tears are abundant. Often we feel so overwhelmed by the need and process of healing that it’s easier to hide our faces in shame than bring our broken hearts to Him. We might say things like:

“Oh, that was so long ago, it doesn’t even matter anymore.”

“I can never be fully healed, it hurts too much.”

Or even:

“My emotions are too much for anyone to handle; no one understands.”

We might recall what our original parents did and sew fig leaves to cover where we feel exposed.

Sisters, He felt them all. He knows what it is to weep over loss (see John 11:35), to be betrayed (see Luke 22:61), and to be in the desert (see Mark 1:12). He knows what it is to be human. And He wants to make you whole again.

The temptation to run away and sit with the hurt is so real. It’s messy. But how can we open our arms to receiving when we’re clutching our grief to our chests?

How do we keep our hearts tender and open to His love during seasons of healing?

Allow yourself to feel the emotion.

Jesus often felt emotions, varying from exultant joy to deep sorrow. Your emotions are not bad, and, in fact, they can point you even more to Jesus. Write or say honest prayers to Him—don’t be afraid of speaking what you feel. Then, allow Him to speak back to you. Don’t hide your nakedness from the only One who truly knows you. You don’t have to be afraid of allowing Jesus to see all the messiness.

Root yourself in Scripture.

There is nothing the evil one enjoys more than to kick us while we’re down. Often the process of healing can lead to different areas of doubt, confusion, or hurt. The evil one wants to implant lies so that as we go through this vulnerable time, we grasp at lies instead of receiving truth. It is so important to root yourself in Scripture, armoring yourself with truth. Maybe even pray with the Book of Psalms. King David, writer of many of the psalms, was a man of intense emotion. The psalms often express deep areas of the heart and soul. Scripture contains such abundant truth for all walks of life.

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Remember that there is no pressure in the journey.

I remember advice a dear friend gave me when I was going through a difficult time: “The healing process is not linear. There will be ups and downs, good days, bad days, great days, and worse days.” That thought greatly comforted me. There is no timeframe, no need to be perfect and whole again after x amount of weeks, months, or years. The Lord is not pressuring you to be better by a certain time, nor should you pressure yourself. He meets you where you are, every day. He never gets sick of hearing about your heart or consoling you in your tears. Jesus will never rebuff, reject, or leave you broken-hearted. Whether it be one week or ten years, Jesus is with you in every moment of your healing.

Surround yourself with community.

Don’t weep alone. You are made for community. It can be scary to be vulnerable, but press into that! Allow yourself to be cared for and loved. You are worthy of peoples’ time, love, and care. Like the friends of Job in the Bible, they can sit with you in your grief and simply be. Not only can they sit with you in your emotion, but they can also accompany you to joy once again. I can recall so many instances where my roommates have both comforted me in my tears and then brought me back to joy through fun experiences.

There is no easy way to enter into healing. But you are not alone. I ask you that this time, you will choose not to sew fig leaves. And when you hear Father God calling, “‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:9), you hear a loving Daddy asking why His beloved child would want to hide from Him. And you run to Him, into His arms, knowing that you are infinitely safe there.

Wait on the Lord in this time.

In the darkness, He promises light.

Our Lord will never leave us destitute or alone.

He is faithful.

He is tending the soil of your heart.

He sustains.

He knows every little desire of your heart.

Maggie Agra is a junior Theology major at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She enjoys learning all things Theology, especially Theology of the Body. When not weightlifting or watercoloring, you can find her enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or trying something new and adventurous.