Believe and Be Healed

"Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14 NIV

"God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!" Jeremiah 17:14 The Message

This verse means a lot to me. It was my comfort during very dark times, both in my marriage and on a personal note. There was so much in my life that needed healing - it was a comfort to hear in God's Word that if I believed He could heal me, He would. There was certainty in this word - no doubt. It was so reassuring to me while I was walking through a dark Valley. And I chose to believe. God did not disappoint - in fact, he healed far beyond what I thought was possible.

This verse also reminds me to praise - no matter where on my journey I am. I can be in the dark valley and still praise God: as Jon Kabat Zinn says, "There is more right with you than what's wrong with you." Praising will also lift my spirits, remind me of what is good about God and His promises, and also help me to look with gratitude at my life.

I love the image of God picking up the pieces of me, and putting me back together. There are days when I feel I have fallen apart, or I am at the end of my rope and just can't hang on any longer. This verse teaches me that it's okay to let go...and let God. He will pick up the broken shards of my life, and form them into a new and beautiful, whole and holy, creation.

Praise you, Jesus, for healing me and saving me. Praise you for the beauty that is in my life, and for the beauty you are creating out of the broken pieces. I believe and I trust that you continue to heal me and save me day by day. Amen

Life Steps: Praise and thank God for what is good in your life. Learn to praise God for his unchanging qualities and promises (for example he is a Mighty Healer, our Saviour, the Alpha and Omega). Pray and believe that He will heal you - offer Him your most broken pieces.