“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” – Psalms 147:3
Jehovah Rapha: God the healer.
“Rapha” is Hebrew for Heal, but it is far deeper than just “healing”, it means to mend, repair or restore something to its natural or valuable state. Examples of Jehovah Rapha in the Bible: In Matthew 9:21, when the bleeding woman was healed from touching Christ’s cloak. Not only was she physically healed, but He also restored her to society after many years of suffering and being an outcast. In Capernaum, the Paralytic man in Matthew 9 was healed not only from paralysis but also his spirit after being forgiven of his sins.
“Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”
- Mark 2:8-10
We all have hidden wounds, from a heartbreak or grief from a loss. Healing takes time and the road to recovery can be painful both physically and mentally, just as a cancer patient going through a painful battle against cancer. Yes, it will hurt, no it wont’t be easy to.. but it is the hurt we must overcome to recover, especially with God’s grace and power by our side.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
– Psalm 34:18
A promise made in the Bible assures us that God is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Reading this is comforting, you are not alone in this. God is the healer of the broken-hearted.
“…And binds up their wounds.” Just as a scab must be bandaged and protected from being infected by outside sources as it heals, so does our spiritual wound. As we heal, He bandages and protects our wounds with His word, love, and grace. Sometimes, bandaging a wound protects others from being infected by it as it heals. Heartbreak can cause harm to others, and binding it would prevent it from spreading or worsen
“Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering… But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5
This is another promise and proof of God’s unconditional love towards us, of how far and beyond He is willing to go, to protect and save us. “He took up our pain and bore our suffering”. He suffered for us to heal our hearts and bind up our wounds. He healed us by his blood, stripes, and wounds and cured heartbreaks by the word, which no one else can cure but Himself. Trust in His word, in His promise for what He has done for us as He went to the cross on our account and shed His blood on our behalf.
A moment of Quiet time
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” - John 15:18
“Lord, I’m heartbroken, I’m feeling so much pain and suffering, Lord, I feel so isolated and hated. I’m trying my best, but in return, I’m betrayed. I was lied to and deceived. I can’t handle the loss of my loved one, Lord. Give me the grace and strength to endure this.”
“Dear child, I have been heartbroken once before and betrayed by my disciples; I can feel your pain. I was flogged, spat at and pushed by my children as I walked down the path of Via Dolorosa while carrying the heavy cross on my shoulders on my way to be crucified up on Golgotha. I’ve never felt ever so isolated. Regardless, I have endured all this because I love you. My child, it pains me to see you suffer and feel this pain; know that I am always by your side. My cross is your strength.”
A good reminder in times of despair. Well phrased as usual Anne.