Dealing With Hurt

Scripture:

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3, NIV)

Introduction

Psalm 147 is a psalm of praise that highlights God's goodness and power. Verse 3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds," stands out as a comforting promise of God's care and compassion for those who are hurting. This verse speaks directly to the human experience of pain and God's role as healer and restorer.

1. Divine Healing:

• "He heals the brokenhearted" emphasizes God's role as a healer. The term "brokenhearted" refers to those who are deeply afflicted emotionally and spiritually.
• The verb "heals" indicates an active, ongoing process of restoration and recovery, suggesting that God's care is continuous and thorough.
• Psalm 34:18: "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

1. Binding Up Wounds:

• "Binds up their wounds" illustrates God's tender care and attention to those who are hurting. To "bind up" means to bandage or wrap, providing protection and promoting healing.
• This imagery reflects the intimate and personal nature of God's care. It is not a distant or impersonal act but one of close involvement and loving attention.
• Jeremiah 30:17: "'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD."

Hosea 6:1: "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds."

1. God’s Compassion and Care:

• The verse highlights God's compassion for those who are suffering. He is not indifferent to human pain but actively seeks to heal and restore.
• Lamentations 3:22-23: "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

1. Restoration and Wholeness:

• God’s healing extends beyond physical ailments to include emotional and spiritual restoration. His desire is for wholeness in every aspect of life.
• Psalm 23:3: "He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."

1. God’s Personal Involvement:

• The intimate language of binding up wounds reflects God’s personal involvement in the lives of His people. He is a God who is close and actively engaged in the process of healing.
• Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Practical Application

1. Seeking God in Times of Pain:

• Believers are encouraged to turn to God in their moments of brokenness and trust in His ability to heal and restore.
• 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1. Providing Compassionate Care:

• As recipients of God’s healing, believers are called to extend the same compassion and care to others who are hurting.
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

1. Finding Hope in God’s Promises:

• This verse offers hope and assurance that God is always at work, healing and restoring. Believers can find comfort in knowing that their pain is seen and addressed by God.
• Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Conclusion

Psalm 147:3 is a powerful reminder of God’s compassionate nature and His commitment to healing the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s presence in times of pain, trust in His restorative power, and extend His compassion to others. Through understanding and applying the truths in this verse, believers can experience God’s profound healing and share His love with those around them