“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” (Isa 61:1, ESV)
This Bible verse has always brought hope and a vision of what I desire to be today. During this journey of healing I want to help others be set free as well. In the body of Christ we have many who are sick emotionally and needs healing of the heart. I want my journey to help light the path for those in darkness of depression see a way out. To begin this journey I had to be open and allow Jesus in the dark places of my heart. Secondly I had to be humble and allow my precious friends inside as well to see the good, bad and ugly. It is ok to cry and feel pain, Jesus didn't come for the whole but for the sick, poor and needy. His very purpose was to die on the cross so we can have full access to the presence of God. All of this doesn't automatically make us feel good but it helps begin the healing process. I speak all this from experience not a theological head knowledge. Emotional pain is been a reality for me since the beginning of my journey with Jesus back in 1989. As Pastor says, God wastes noting. I believe that my primary calling is help bring comfort and light those who are dealing with emotional pain. Everything in my life points towards this calling. I want to encourage you my church family to not feel ashamed of your pain, it is ok to express yourself. As I see vet shows, I learned in order for the the vet to heal an abscess they had to open it up and let the junk out. I'm not saying tell it all in public but mainly in a safe environment with trusted prayer intercessors. This will help begin our healing heart journey. Over the years I conditioned myself to shut everything and everyone out of my wounded heart. Jesus is changing my heart to one of a more softer and opened one. It isn't easy as he has to tenderly deal with my wounds as I allow Him and trusted friends into enter my heart. He is gradually undoing many years of pain and callous places and bringing healing and wholeness to me. I will close with this, I am here to listen to you. There is many more besides me that is on this heart healing journey that God is raising up to be the hands and feet of Jesus to help make the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1 come alive and real in the body of Christ!
Beautiful truth Timothy! Thank you for sharing this inspiring and uplifting word.
Blessings!