“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” (Malachi 4:2)
Our recovery from physical injury is rarely instantaneous. It takes times to heal. Likewise, when we have been wounded in our spirit. With the help of God, we can come back from the severest injury, stronger than ever. But healing is not guaranteed. Time doesn’t necessarily heal all wounds.
One of the major hindrances to healing is downplaying the trauma we have experienced. We say we’re alright, when we’re not. Somehow we deem it a sign of weakness to admit how much we’ve been affected by someone’s behavior toward us. But denying we are hurt doesn’t help us to heal.
Pouring out our heart to another human being can bring some temporary relief; but is not what is ultimately needed. People don’t know what to do with their own pain, let alone someone else’s. But being transparent before God is the first step toward letting Him tend to our wounds. It is okay to let Him know you are angry, heartbroken, even devastated. He does not despise our tears or our temptations. He wants to be our Healer and Savior. We must draw near to Him with a commitment to abide under the shadow of His wings until His healing is complete.
How will we know we are healed? When we are cleansed of a spirit of retaliation. It is said that “hurt people hurt.” This is true, only in so far as we have not been healed of our hurt by the Great Physician. When nothing of anger, bitterness, and hatred, but only good, love, and blessing is in our heart towards those who have hurt us, we will be able to declare that there is a Balm in Gilead.