Family, Faith & Forgiveness A GOODBYE, CHRISTOPHER ROBIN PlanSample

Day 5 - Family is About Healing

Of all the aspects of thriving in a family we've discussed this week, healing is the trickiest. We are all capable as human beings - even those of us who don't claim the name of "Christian" -  of overcoming family complications, establishing an identity, thriving in our families of birth and choice, and forgiving others and receiving forgiveness. But true healing - the blotting out of the mental, emotional and spiritual injuries we and others cause and receive, is something only God can accomplish. 

Healing is about more than, being "delivered from troubles."  It goes deeper, down to "saving those who are crushed in spirit." You've heard it said, many times, that Jesus Saves. That is true for the salvation of souls, to be sure - but not limited to that. In Psalm 51:10, David is not asking to be washed clean for the first time - he's asking to be washed clean again. While salvation cannot be lost, healing can. We can revert to our old sins. We can be attacked by our old hurts. And in those moments, like David, we can cry out, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Consider the following verses as you ponder this glorious truth: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 30:2, Psalm 147:3, Revelation 21:4, Matthew 11:28).

The Milne family of GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN needed healing. The historical record indicates they, with a belief in God, did, indeed, receive and flourish in it.

Prayer: God, thank you for my salvation - and your ongoing invitation to return to you to seek healing for the wounds I cause myself and others cause me. Like David, Lord, I ask that you would be close to me when I am brokenhearted, save me when I am crushed in spirit, and renew a steadfast spirit in me when I cry out to you. AMEN.