The Wounds That Won’t Heal
In 2015, after a year of running I was out for a 10K run and I felt a pull in one of my achilles tendons. It was uncomfortable, but not debilitating, so I kept going after some stretching. A week later, the other tendon did the same thing. I had added too many kilometers too quickly and was now paying the price. The only solution was to stop, rest, and work alongside a professional to let the muscles and tendons heal.
We all carry those wounds. Some have been inflicted by our family, by friends, by enemies, by complete strangers, or by our own selves. These are the wounds that run deep into our identity, telling nefarious, insidious lies that erode the foundation God has given us. You are worthless. People do not love you. You are not good enough. You are a failure. You need to do more.
Have you stopped to allow those wounds to heal?
Weekly Practice: Safely Vulnerable
Who are the people in your life that you can be completely vulnerable with? If there is one thing that rest will reveal, it will be the areas that have ached and been neglected for far too long. We need spaces where we can safely explore those wounds, and allow them to heal.
The nations of Israel and Judah went through all kinds of cycles through their history. Exile and return, decimation and blessing. God was faithful through it all, and He’ll be faithful to you.
“But as for you, Israel my servant,
Jacob my chosen one,
descended from Abraham my friend,
I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, ‘You are my servant.’
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
This week, I’d encourage you to take at least an hour to reflect on if there are any wounds that you need to heal from. This can look like journaling, silence, exploring this theme with a counsellor, or entering into a safe space with others. The healing will take time, but do not be afraid, do not be discouraged – God is with you.