Physical Health: Ok, so this one I wrestled with including or not. After really thinking about and re-reading scriptures about healing, I felt I would be leaving out an important part if I did not: Good Medical Care and a healthy diet of food and exercise. God works his miracles in many ways and through many people. Several scriptures mention oils, herbs, fruits and even dirt used as tools of healing. Luke 5:31 says "31) Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Like Ezekiel 47:12 says "Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."
How often do I avoid going to the doctor/dentist for the fear of having to have something done or something being wrong or having to pay alot? How often do I eat too much or devour too many sweets because I am bummed, stressed, or lack self-control? I can't help but to see in my own life how these things and my walk with the Lord intermingle. I think of when Aaron and I had our miscarriage. Here we were dealing with something from a doctor's perspective that is a common occurrence, but for us emotionally and spiritually was devastating. Why would God allow this? Is there something wrong with me? Did we not have enough faith? These are just a few of the questions that began to run through our minds. I found myself withdrawing physically, not wanting to do anything. Food was either a comfort or something to avoid because I could control that. But as I continue to go back to Lord, I feel his love and comfort, calling me to rest in him. Allowing him to heal me physically, emotionally, spiritually. I also think about the what ifs? What if I would have continued to withdraw, especially from Aaron? We would not have the blessings of Amaris and Samuel. What if I would have continued to not eat or eat too much? I would facing new battles.
Do I think I have mastered the meshing of physical health and spiritual health, oh no, I believe it is like an onion. I have to continue to allow the Lord to work through all the layers. So today as you have read this I pray the Holy Spirit has brought things to your mind of your emotional/spiritual ties to your physical health. I know that encompasses all different kinds situations and emotions, so I pray that God would meet each of those in the intimate and personal way only he can do!
Here are a few related scriptures:
Mark 2:1-12, 5:21- 43; John 9:6-7; Proverbs 17:22
healing is so amazing, and i never realized how important it is. today is the first day i believe that ash is on her way back! healing is taking place in my own life to a point where i can share how God has taken the devastations from the past year and praise Him despite the fact i don't understand. i can relate to cheri's experience with the miscarriage and how it takes the mercy of the Lord to heal. this past year jacob and i have been through two miscarriages. questions fill the mind and all i wanted to do many days is cover up my head and hide from the world. 'how am i supposed to heal from this with all the other responsibilities in my life' - i asked myself this over and over and over! i was angry and i didn't know how to deal with it... now, as i continue to seek the face of God, He has reminded me of His amazing Love and how to find joy in serving again and healing. i know it will continue to be a journey, but i am holding on to His promises.
ReplyDeletethank you cheri for your story and devotions throughout the week. it is so important to allow God to heal you from the inside out, and yes, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing go hand in hand..