So often in our world today, especially in Christian circles, we hear the phrase, “It’s okay to not be okay.” Every time I would hear this phrase, it wouldn’t necessarily bring comfort; it would actually set me on edge. Why? The reason why this phrase would make me feel uneasy is because my desire for healing was so much stronger than my desire for my feelings to be validated. Hear me out though; I have also learned how incredibly important it is to acknowledge the reality of where you are and the feelings that you are trying to process. Take the time to do so. It is difficult, and just as painful, to simply be real with where you find yourself in this process; however, don’t become content with just the acknowledgement.
Personally, I was not - am still not - content in staying in that place of “being okay with not being okay.” Just “okay” is not good enough!! If you find yourself in that place where you are waking up every day saying, “You know, it’s okay that I’m not okay,” and you continue to pick up those burdens that are weighing you down, and you are just trying to survive, then it’s time to move past this step in the process of healing. Simply just acknowledging where you are is no longer good enough.
Matthew 11:28-30 says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Scripture is REAL. The Word of God does not beat us up but brings us to a place of truth and deep conviction. His Word challenges the mindset and beliefs we hold to that might not align with His truth. His Word becomes REAL in our life and that empowers us to get REAL, by simply being honest with ourselves and realizing what we have gone through and allowing the Lord to lead us in His direction of healing and redemption.
Healing is so important. It’s fundamental to this life that we live as we walk in intimacy alongside Christ.
“Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.’” (2 Kings 20:5b)
He hears our prayers when we call out to Him for healing. He hears us when we call out to Him for comfort; for guidance; for wisdom in day-to-day living. He is not a distant Father, but ONE that is part of every second of our day. He was there when we experienced the hurt and pain that may still trigger us now. He is there when we do feel triggered. He is there when we feel like the world is crashing down on us and we can’t seem to catch our breath; He is there when we deal with confusion, and we lack understanding of what’s going on....
HOWEVER, He promises to heal us, BUT we must reach out to Him.
We have to declare and ask Him to:
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For you are my praise.”
(Jeremiah 17:14)
Jeremiah knew that what he needed for his healing was to cry out to Him; he knew that he needed to praise God in the midst of hardship; he knew that he needed his Father’s healing hand. The hand that we all need to cry out for!!!
If you’re in this place today, where you can’t seem to feel better than just “okay,” know that you can experience His healing. Look in the mirror today and see the work of His hand; cry out for His help and find healing. No matter what it is, God can heal you and you will experience relief.
Go before Him now, ask Him to come alongside you, meeting you in this place of “being okay.” Let Him shower you with His perfect love and His healing. He will do it because His heart beats for healing and restoration and He always completes what He starts!
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed!’