Healing Takes Time—Be Patient

Our God could reach down from Heaven and heal every wound in one moment, and sometimes, He does! But, my experience tells me that it often takes time. There have been many times in my life when I was nursing a wound that I felt would never heal. There have been times when I thought a wound had healed, just for it to be re-opened again because I hadn’t taken the time to fully heal. I’ll admit—I’m a busy body. I tend to distract myself with work, friends, and taking care of my family. I’m a doer, always wanting to get the “thing” done despite how I feel or what I’m going through.

However, what I’ve learned is when you take the time necessary to heal a wound, there is much to be learned—things to be learned about ourselves and the goodness of God. Learning to sit and be at the feet of Jesus, as we sit in His presence and sob, is a gift–even when we are in pain. There is much I’ve learned in that space that I couldn’t have learned elsewhere.

As I’ve taken the time to heal, praying, journaling, worshipping, praising, and mourning, the Lord has revealed truths about my decision-making, my spiritual growth, my maturity, and my unforgiveness. Even the journey of healing is not for naught!

Step 5 to Healing: Take the Time to Heal

In a world where we want instant gratification, instant fixes, and instant healing, it can be hard to be patient, as the Lord bottles every tear and performs the heart repair necessary. But let me caution you. Don’t self-medicate with a counterfeit that only leaves you empty. Counterfeits come in many shapes and forms—a romantic interest too soon after a break-up, overspending when you’re already in debt, substances, or chasing the corporate dream for validation. It will all leave us empty. The only true healing comes from an encounter with the Great Physician who knew you before you were born. As we close our time together this week, here are a few other practical things that can help in your healing process:

• Turn your cell phone off for one hour each day, completely off. Unplug from everything. We must be able to embrace the quiet and still and calm.
• Seek professional Christian counseling. Many of us need a professional from time to time, and many churches now have a counselor on staff.
• Journal. It will be amazing to look back in a year and see all the Lord has done.
• Create a support system. Become involved in a single moms’ support group near you. There is power in gathering. Be active in your local church. A healthy church can change your life.
• Have fun with your children. Be intentional about being present with the kids. Schedule the game night. Have an impromptu dance party. Sing some karaoke. Enjoy the season, despite the pain.

Mom, your God is a loving Father, who is wrapping His loving arms around you. He won’t leave you bleeding and wounded. He is binding hearts, bottling tears, and mending wounds. He is teaching and training. He will not leave you. May the God of all hope restore all in the next season.

Points to Ponder

• What will life look like in a year? How might God use your current pain for His glory? Are there others who need to one day hear your story?
• Have you endured a broken heart in a past season? Did God heal it? How can you stand on that experience to endure the pain of the current season?
• Looking to join a single mom support group near you? Visit https://thelifeofasinglemom.com/find-a-group/ to find a group in your area!
• Looking to further your knowledge in the areas of health & wellness, parenting, and finances? Join Single Mom University today for free by simply filling out a scholarship application at www.SingleMomUniversity.com and mentioning YouVersion.