THE PROMISE OF HEALING Part:2

FROM SHADOWS TO LIGHT

Where there is light, there must be shadow, where there is shadow there must be light. There is no shadow without light & no light without shadow. It is how we live in each season that shapes our life, whether in a season of light or a season of darkness. When we are surrounded by brokenness it does feel like we are surrounded by shadows doesn’t it? Yet, we know that: “God’s light shines in the darkness & the darkness can never overcome it.” Therefore healing & light will be given! We have choices & free will as we move through our days. Everything we do says something about who we are. We live in a covenant partnership with God. What we focus on will determine the direction of our lives. We read in the book of Hebrews 12:2 that: “Jesus is the author & finisher of our faith”. The Word of God instructs us to look away from all that distracts us & to focus on Jesus. The person or thing we focus on becomes magnified in our minds. If we focus on our problems, we continually roll them over & over in our minds, which is like meditating on them & the problems grow.

Though it is important not to ignore or dismiss our experiences & our feelings of despair & brokenness because we can learn from our past experiences, it is important to not stay focused on them. The more we think & talk about our experiences & perceptions the larger they become. If they are problems or hurts or wounds causing brokenness, they become larger as we continue to rehash the pain, causing us to look backwards instead of forward towards healing & wholeness. The larger they become an insignificant distraction can grow into a huge issue merely because we are focusing on it, which often can cause us to make huge mistakes as we lose all perspective of the present moments, pulling us away from God’s healing touch.

The Bible tells us to spend quiet time with God & to meditate on His Word & His promises, rather than to focus on the problems we may be facing. It is when we focus on God that His faithfulness will be revealed & healing will come. It is important to lift up our needs & fears as well as our thanksgiving & praise to God in prayer however, rather than repeating the challenges, distractions or problems we may be facing. In the book of Philippians, we read that we are encouraged to talk about God & His goodness for our life. As we do so, our problems will not block our hearts from the healing Grace freely given from God.

We are whole beings, made up of our mind, body & spirit. Each one affects the other. A healthy mind & spirit contributes to a healthy life. As written in the book of Philippians, we read as to the believers: “That whatever is pure, whatever is honorable & worthy of respect, whatever is right & confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure & wholesome, whatever is lovely & brings peace, whatever is admirable & of good repute, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things, center your mind on them & implant them in your heart & the God of peace will be with you.”

As we all step forward living in this broken world we live in right now, may we focus daily on God’s covenant healing grace & let His voice & promise be our guide. AMEN

~Posted by Rev Kathryn Bindig, MDiv. MS; Pastoral Care Minister with assistance from Rich Muscatello; Director of Business Development & Strategy