Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a good day. I am sending out Thursday’s devotions early tonight since we will be leaving tomorrow morning. We are in Sevierville, TN at the Fairfield and just had a wonderful early supper at the Chop Block. Tomorrow we head to Statesville, N.C. to see Mark and Andrea and John Mark and A.J. We are excited as it has been way too long since our last visit got canceled because of the hurricane.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Traumatic events have happened to most all of us and when they occur in our early years, we can bear the scars even now. We may overreact and feel some of the same emotions in our present life that we felt long ago. How surprised we are when we react so strongly to something in the present that stirs up old feelings from the past. We realize then it has not been forgotten or healed yet.

But Jesus wants to heal our soul through union with Him, and He welcomes each of us to come to Him. He is always available and wants to restore us and make us whole. Only He can take the broken pieces of our lives and create beauty out of the ashes. It’s such a wondrous thing for we can end up feeling just like a new creation.

Satan on the other hand, wants to destroy us and lies against God’s love and healing power. We don’t have to live fragmented lives forever but can give the broken pieces to the Lord and let Him heal us and make something beautiful of us. He wants to re-create all things in us! John Eldredge shares that our part is to invite Him in and seek union with the Lord in the damaged parts of our souls. We give Him access and it’s an added blessing if we have a prayer partner, pastor or counselor to share our hurts with and receive healing prayer. We don’t’ have to understand everything but simply ask Jesus to meet us in the place of our need and be open to His loving presence and healing power. No one knows us better than Jesus and when we turn to Him with all our heart, He will bring us into oneness and heal our fragmented parts. He came to bind up the broken hearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives. (Isaiah 61:1)

When we have fears, compulsions and struggles that surface needing healing, Jesus knows how to access them and restore us. We can ask the Holy Spirit to shine His light into those dark areas and invite Jesus to be with us in that place in our past. He will cleanse our wounds and His blood brings healing and integration. Why continue to live with the hurtful wounds when Jesus is waiting to hear our cry for healing.

Challenge for today: When a painful memory comes to mind spend some time with Jesus and ask Him into that place to heal you.
Blessings on your evening and day tomorrow and prayers and love, Judy