Raise your hand if you’ve ever been affected by any level of stress, pain, and heartache. Keep your hand raised if any of that pain and heartache occurred in childhood. I can’t see you, but I’m guessing the majority of people reading this would have their hands raised. Although most parents do the best, they can with what they know, few people come out of childhood unscathed. Many of us have been affected to some extent by divorce, family conflict, abuse, bullying, discrimination, physical or emotional neglect, loss, and generational trauma. Such experiences lead to deeply embedded negative thought patterns, chronic anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues, addictions, and so much more. Since emotional health is closely linked to spiritual health, you may wind up stunted in your spiritual growth if you haven’t sought healing for those painful experiences. Healing wounds from your past allows you to operate out of a place of peace and authentic love, and it changes how you navigate difficult situations in the present. Intentionality is a crucial component of both your spiritual growth and your emotional healing.
Intentional Healing
Healing is an intentional process; it doesn’t just come on its own out of thin air, and time does NOT heal all wounds. It can take hard work to dig up the deep roots of trauma, pain, fear, anger, and addiction. But no matter what you’ve been through, there is ALWAYS hope. Nobody is beyond God’s reach. God has gifted us with a brain that is able to be re-wired, so you don’t have to remain stuck in a “trauma” brain. There are so many resources, tools, and skilled counselors who know how to help people get to the root of their struggles and to begin living a life of freedom. Don’t allow the enemy to convince you that you just have to succumb to whatever has happened to you. He doesn’t want you to know that you truly are a conqueror through Christ Jesus; it’s just a matter of healing those deep wounds and learning how to walk in that truth.
Abiding in Christ
An essential part of intentional healing and growth is to abide in Christ. He is our ultimate Life source. Without him we can do nothing; our spiritual muscles begin to atrophy, and we just wither away into an unfruitful, lackluster life (John 15:4-7).
What does “abiding” in Christ look like in everyday life?
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- Reading His Word. Communing with God through Scripture is how you get to know who God is, how He views you, what He expects from you, and how He loves you. Reading God’s Word also helps to renew your mind and can ease some of your anxiety and depression.
- Praying. Communicating with God is how your relationship with Him grows deeper, and how you learn to trust Him and to be truly dependent on Him.
- Obeying Him. Reading His Word and praying won’t get you very far if you don’t actually do what He says (James 1:22-25).
- Repenting. Avoid living a life of habitual sin.
- Staying connected with His people. Regardless of how independent or introverted you are, you NEED community. You need to be surrounded by God’s people. They’re your battle buddies, ready to war with you against the evil one and to encourage you when you’re down. We’re not meant to go at it alone.
Chariots of Fire
Healing is hard. I understand how difficult it can be to face the painful realities of your circumstances. It may feel too overwhelming. When I’m feeling scared or overwhelmed, I think of my favorite image found in 2 Kings 6:15-17. Some angry king was pursuing the prophet Elisha to capture him and probably kill him. The angry king sent a strong troop of horses and chariots to surround the city where Elisha was, ready to attack him. When Elisha’s servant saw them, he felt terrified and didn’t know what to do. Elisha, however, remained calm and said, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha, shielding him from the enemy forces. Elisha knew he wasn’t alone in that battle and that he didn’t have to rely on his own strength.
So, my friend, you may be up against what feels like an impossible battle. It may feel too big for you to overcome. But know this – while your past trauma or present circumstances come against you with what appear to be powerful, overwhelming weapons, you CAN come against those things in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel (1 Samuel 17:45). You have the strength of the LORD on your side. He cannot be defeated; therefore, YOU cannot be defeated. Just keep abiding in Him. You might stumble and limp, but you will NOT be destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Hold on to that truth with all your might, lift your chin up, and keep walking in victory.