God’s Heart for Healing

Healing is in the heart of God. He healed in the past and heals sick people today. That’s true biblically. There are more than 200 references in the Bible revealing God’s heart for healing. For example, God graciously healed King Abimelech, even though Abraham had compromised his wife Sarah (Genesis 20:17). When the waters of Marah were undrinkable, Moses prayed, and God purified the waters. He revealed himself as “the LORD your healer” (Exodus 15:26). Miriam was healed of leprosy, even though she had unwisely criticized her brother Moses (Numbers 12:10, 13-14). The healing ministry of Jesus is everywhere in the four gospels (Matthew 4:23-24).

Three other Scriptures almost appear as evidence that it is our birthright as God’s children to claim or expect healing, provided we have enough faith. Psalm 103:2-5 says that God heals all your diseases. Is the Psalmist speaking metaphorically (note forgives all your sins, is parallel to heals all your diseases) or literally? Isaiah 53:4-6 declares, by his wounds, we are healed. Does this mean that we can demand healing because “healing is in the Atonement”? I would say yes in one sense and no in another. Yes, it is in the atonement but not in the same way as salvation from sin.

I find the phrase, “already—not yet” very helpful. “Already” by faith, we have been redeemed, but “not yet” - it is only when we are finally in God’s presence will we enter into the fullness of that redemption, where there is no more pain or sickness. In between there is some frustration. At times God heals, which is what we long for, other times he doesn’t. His timing is different from ours.

Instead of asking, is healing in the Atonement, I think it’s more helpful to ask, is healing in the heart of God? The answer is a resounding “Yes.” The God who made our bodies from dust cares about our health.

So what should we do? Consider praying 3 John v. 2 as a proactive prayer for the good health of others and ourselves. John the Apostle prays that things will go well with his friend Gaius and that his physical health would match his soul health. Follow his example and pray often for the physical well-being of your family and friends.

When you or your friends are sick, ask God to heal them. No sickness is off-limits. Sore bones? Ask God for his healing touch (Psalm 6:2), Searing back pain? Tell God about it (Psalm 38:7). Fatigued? Bring that to God and confess your sins (Psalm 32:1-4). Depressed? Tell God how your feel and express your hope in him (Psalm 42:5).

If my doctor gives me the crushing news that I have terminal cancer, should I long to be healed and pray in faith that God will heal me? Certainly. Should I consider asking my church leaders to anoint me with oil and pray that God will heal me? Definitely.

Maybe use these words as your prayer today:

I will come in faith, in the sure knowledge that already healing is in the heart of God, as I await the certainty of the new heavens and new earth, where every tear will be wiped away, and I enter into the fullness of my redeemed body. Amen.

Excerpts from The Point of Your Thorns: Finding Purpose in Your Pain

by Rowland Forman