Scars often become the lens of our outlook on loss and life in God.
Physical trauma can bring about a scar that reminds us of our pain. Scars from people and problems may pierce and punctuate our faith and focus on God in discouraging ways.
When these scars crowd out our view, those scars can reshape the lens by which we experience faith, fellowship, and friendship with God.
I have a friend whose parents went their separate ways when he was very young. He grew up attending church and Christian school. He graduated from college, medical school, and residency. To their happiness, he choose to become a physician like both of his parents. Recently, he’s changed his mind that God is for him and that God is really God.
He has a relationship with his earthly Dad. They’re friends. But growing up separately from his Dad cultivated a scar in him.
He has a relationship with his heavenly Father. They’re friends. Even if my friend changes his mind, God remains His Heavenly Father, and His promises that He will remain are rooted in His Word…..never will I leave nor forsake you.
However, this isn’t a tale about the Lost Son and the Loving Father. This is about working through the story and scars in our lives that have held and hindered us, shaken and shattered us.
After Jesus is crucified on the cross, He returns three days later. Fully man and fully alive, with scars in each Hand, Jesus comes back with His scars for us. To identify with every one of us who has ever worn a scar. Jesus’ message after the Resurrection: I see you. I see your scars. I have mine too. We both have scars in common. Yet like no one else, I will carry your scars.
I will handle the hurt so you can recover.
Take time to heal and discover.
Then come back to Me, Your Father.
I’ll wait for you, now, here, and forever.
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The psalmist sings these hope-filled words to remind us of His restoration of our story, including the sacred and the scars.
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, according to Your Unfailing Love.
Please see me, God. Please see my situation, my sorrow, and my scar.
Create in me a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Purify my heart and place an immovable, unshakeable spirit in me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” (Psalm 51)
Position the salvation of your joy and the strength of your spirit within me.
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God, I can’t see where I am going.
I slip up in the sowing.
I struggle in the growing.
I stumble in the knowing.
No light in my life that is showing.
But the joy of my salvation you can restore
Please heal all the brokenness of before.
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©️ Breathe Truth