The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines healing as “to make whole or sound again.” In the english language this concept is used in many aspects of life. Perhaps the first that comes to mind is the healing of an illness or injury. It is also used to refer to a making whole of a relational rift, to heal a friendship or a familial relationship. Also it can refer to an internal healing, a healing of the heart, the soul; a making whole or sound once more of the internal world of a person.
Christ as Healer
An important aspect of the Christian faith is that there is healing through relationship with Christ. A key scripture passage on this is often quoted from Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by Him and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
This picture of Christ as Physician, as the conduit through which healing arrives is reinforced by his ministry as depicted in the Gospels, in which he travels teaching and healing the sick. In the gospels, Jesus will usually address the healing of the soul, addressing the faith of the person and forgiving their sins before addressing their physical healing. Today the church still prays for and celebrates physical healing from God, but emphasises foremost the healing of the spirit, or of the soul.
When a person experiences a great emotional pain or turmoil in their life, it often leaves long term effects on the way that person responds emotionally to events in their lives. Reimer uses the example of a splinter that has become infected, even the slightest touch to the wounded and infected area will cause great amounts of pain in a way a person without this wound would never experience, and these infections can spread (149, 150). Likewise a wound from past experiences leave a person’s emotional responses to seemingly insignificant issues disproportionately painful. These wounds need to be acknowledged and healed.
Processing your past
We are all affected by the pain of our pasts whether we acknowledge it or not. To make strides towards your soul health it is important to face and process the pains that you may not be immediately conscious of. It can help to process these things with the people from your past, so dedicate serious time to these conversations with siblings, parents, and friends who were a part of your life at the time about your experiences growing up.
Healing the Soul
Healing of the soul in the presence of God has no specific formula but some aspects to consider
God is relational and healing comes not from a quick fix or ritual, but from living in relationship with God
God knows more than we do, and want to reveal things to us, take the time to listen to the revelations that God has for you in prayer
Tell your story, to a pastor, spiritual mentor, or close friend, prayerfully. You know your story, and the wounds that need healing will arise.
Although the Chrisitan faith and the church is communal, the healing of the person you work with does not cause heal you be they a pastor or expert in this healing, healing comes from the presence of God with you and your wounds.
Healing Memories
According to Reimer, often when someone seeks healing for an event in their past, they see, hear, or feel the presence of God within the memory of that past event which allows for the healing and release of that stored up pain. (166-170)
Sometimes these memories are blocked by shame or uncertainty. Reimer gives many examples of people who say they can see only the feet of Jesus, and he physically lifts their chins, allowing them to look up in supplication rather than down in shame. (169-170).
Redemptive Suffering
Emotions exist to be felt. When a person has experienced pain and loss, the accompanying grief must be felt for healing to occur.
Opening yourself to the experience of past trauma can and often does lead to a release of repressed grief and pain. This must be experienced, it may take time, weeks, months, or years, depending on the would, but it is temporary and is accompanied by the grace of God.
Spiritual Action Steps
The following are the steps recommended by Reimer at the conclusion of his chapter on wound healing.
“Experience: recall a major wound, and ask the Holy Spirit how He wants to address this wound. Maybe He would have you invite Jesus to come. Watch and listen. Enter His presence. Follow his leading.
What are some of the major wounds in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas that may need healing. Let Him surprise you. Don’t miss them.
Take time over the next days and weeks to allow the Holy Spirit to surface any other memories that need His healing touch. Invite the presence of God in, and listen to the promptings of the Spirit. You may want to work through some of these memories with some discerning friends who are sensitive to the Spirit.
Find a fellow believer who is willing to pursue healing with you. Pray for one another. Talk less, pray less. Listen more. Allow the Spirit to direct your prayer time. Jesus is the healer. We have nothing.”
(Reimer 178-179)
Reimer, R. “Healing Wounds” from Soul Care.
Merriam-Webster, “Heal.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/healhttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heal
Report Compiled by Anna Draper
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