Jesus heals damaged Emotions

Jesus heals damaged Emotions Ross Wakeley

2 In the hit film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Toula, the key character, has grown up being told by her dad that she is old, ugly and has to marry a Greek boy and have babies. Still unmarried at 30, Toula s life is a prison of emotional pain as she is a woman crushed by her father s unfair expectations and defeated by her emotional hurt and low selfimage. Life changes for Toula when she meets the hero of the film. Ian is the charming man who sweeps Toula off her feet. She is stunned when Ian tells her she is really beautiful. Love transforms Toula. The couple navigate the challenges of their wedding and head off into life with a sense of freedom and hope. It s common for a person to be dealing with damaged emotions. It could be the divorce of our parents, rugged days at school, being the victim of a sexual assault, sibling rivalry, failure at sport, actions by a church member, rejection by our peers, ridicule, being retrenched from our job... a myriad of triggers that leave us with a deep inner well of unresolved pain.

3 When we are feeling rejected, hurt or wounded, we can get trapped in our pain. We can view issues in our life as problems. In addition, Satan delights in having us think that way by feeding lies into our head: I am stupid, I can t do that, or I m not attractive. We might be aware of the truth of what Jesus says, the devil was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44) However, if we are struggling with damaged emotions, Satan s lies are appealing. The deceiver speaks his lies to us in the first person (rather than the third person), so that we will be more inclined to believe them. An OUTCOME of damaged emotions will often be a cycle of defeat, that affects our everyday actions. We feel like we are living under it all and never living in victory.

4 Some of the indicators that we have issues that need healing are: I m always trying to figure myself out. I feel inferior to other people. I m concerned about what people think of me. I must never make a mistake. I worry about what to say, how to present myself and how I look to other people. I m never adequate for the task ahead. I struggle to share deeply or build new relationships. God comes alongside us and asks us: Do you want to change? Are you going to allow Me to help set you free? So easily, we put up walls that we think will protect us from more emotional pain. In reality, the walls act to prevent us from being healed by God. The walls we put up keep God out. Life is made up of 10% of what is done to us and 90% of what we do about it. We can respond or react. God is inviting us to respond and allow Him to begin the process of transformation and healing in our life.

5 The JOURNEY TO HEALING begins with us recognizing there is a path we ll need to follow. Initially we may feel a sense of shock at what s happened to us. We may even be in denial: trying to keep the pain at arms length as it threatens to engulf us. It s normal for us to feel emotional: upset, angry, depressed, alone or lonely. Sleeping and eating patterns may get disrupted. The sequence of events that led to us being so hurt, will often go through our heads like a video replay. This replay may trigger an internal cycle of self-blame and guilt and we then find that hostility and resentment at the person who hurt us bubbles up. We can become emotionally paralyzed. This emotional journey is part of the process of us coming to a place where we are ready to reach out to God and to admit, I need help. Emotional hurt will affect us spiritually. In Proverbs 15:13 we find this truth: Heartache crushes the spirit. Physical or emotional abuse, violation, hurt or betrayal damages the core of our being. Such actions crush our spirit far more than just hurt feelings. The good news: When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way. (Psalm 142:3)

6 We take a huge step in the healing of the damage to our spirit as we invite God to do a deep work within us. This road starts as we re-focus on the reality that GOD IS WITH US in the pain and hurt. LORD, you have examined me and you know me. You know everything I do; from far away you understand all my thoughts. You see me, whether I am working or resting; you know all my actions. Even before I speak, You already know what I will say. You are all round me on every side. (Psalm 139:1-4) God has gone far beyond just knowing about our pain and damaged emotions. Scripture makes clear that Almighty God has suffered for us and that God also suffers with us. This is best seen in Jesus life. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

7 We have a Saviour who comes to us where we are at spiritually and emotionally. With real empathy, Jesus says, Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) Does Jesus care about our hurt? Does He want to bring His healing into the depths of our life? In Mark 1, we have the story of a sick man, who asks Jesus to heal him. Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. "I am willing," He said. (Mark 1:41) When Jesus looks at you or I, his response to us is not one of discouragement or frustration. It s never a case of, Oh look who has failed Me again! or, Oh, it s you is it? or, You expect Me to heal your pain again? The truth is: WE ARE HIS FAVOURITE. NOT, I am one of His favourites. He sees all that you or I are, with all our hurt and pain, and we ARE His favourite. The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

8 An example of how Jesus is our HEALER is seen in the way the Lord Jesus ministers to Peter. At Jesus trial, Peter denied Jesus three times. Weighed down by his failure, Peter feels hopeless and wounded. Jesus resurrection occurs and the two men meet up one morning at the Sea of Galilee. Guilt weighs Peter down. I m not worthy, is the phrase echoing in his head. Jesus looks at him and says, Let s go for a walk. Peter is focused on his failure, guilt and burden. Then, Jesus intrudes into his thinking: Peter, do you love Me? No condemnation in Jesus words, only genuine care, empathy and release from the load as Peter says, Yes Lord, I love You. Three times Jesus says feed My sheep, and by the time of Jesus third affirmation to Peter, he has been unshackled of his guilt, fear, failure and powerlessness. Peter responds this time from his heart, Oh Lord, you know that I love you. Peter is freed and liberated. He walks into his destiny as an apostolic leader in the early church. Jesus wasn t looking to Peter for information. He knew Peter s heart. He looked at Peter from the other side of the Cross. In the reality of Jesus love and acceptance, Peter could face his failure and pain and be set free (see John 21:2-17). Jesus will do the same act of healing in our lives as we invite Him in.

9 A further step in our healing comes as we discover and then experience at heart level, OUR TRUE IDENTITY. One aspect is the truth that we are made in God s image. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13,14) OUR IDENTITY IN JESUS CHRIST I am accepted. Romans 15:7 I am God's child. John 1:12, 1 John 3:1 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. John 15:15 I have been justified. Romans 5:1 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17 I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:13-14 I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:9-10

10 I am free from all condemnation Romans 8:1-2 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. Romans 8:28 I am free from any condemnation brought against me, and I cannot be separated from the love of God. Romans 8:31-39 I am significant. 1 John 5:18 www.fathersloveletter.com I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. Phil 1:6 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 I am God's temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. Eph. 2:6 I am God's workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph. 3:12 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 The more we affirm who we are in Christ, the more our behaviour will begin to reflect our true identity.

The next step in the healing of our damaged emotions has to do with the FIRE OF GOD. Scripture has many references to God as fire (see Daniel 7:9,11; Hebrews 12:29). 11 God's Word declares that there are two kinds of fires in our universe: one demonic, the other divine. (James 3:6) The fire we get closer to, the fire we allow to consume us will be the one that determines our spiritual future, both for this life and eternity. Paul teaches about the two fires: one fire wants to destroy us: It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness...a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved...uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions. (Galatians 5:19-21, The Message) The other fire is from God. A pure, holy fire that will redeem and refine us into the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. He brings gifts into our lives things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart...we find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely...everything connected with getting our own way is killed off for good crucified. (Galatians 5:22-24, The Message)

12 Selwyn Hughes of Every Day with Jesus, highlights this truth: God wants us to allow His refining fire to BURN OUT of our lives every false fire that ravages our lives and to BURN INTO us more of JESUS CHRIST. To burn out of us the pain; the hurt; our confusion, along with the sense of loss and betrayal. Then, we invite God to burn in a renewed identity; an experience of His peace and security; a confidence and hope for the future as we rest in the strong arms of our heavenly Father. This Biblical principle comes to life in us when we invite the power of God s Spirit to do the healing transformation of burning out the inner pain and burning in freedom and inner wholeness. God has ABUNDANT POWER to bring healing and release into every part of our life. Jesus said,"...whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. (John 7:38,39) Our position as God s children is to sit in the Father s arms of love. Our power for healing is released as we constantly invite the Holy Spirit to renew, refresh and restore us. God s Word commands: be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

13 We may be going through a tough day, or season: what sustains us is the Father s blessing. The Father spoke to Jesus: You are My Son, whom I love. In you I am well pleased. (Mark 1:11) The Father speaks to us: You are my child, who I love. In you I am well pleased. Hear the Father speak that into our heart and spirit: YOU ARE ACCEPTED. He is making us whole by the renewing power of his Spirit working within us. When insecurity rises up, run back into the Father s arms, the Father s blessing and the Father s approval. Cry out to him for a fresh release of his Spirit into our life to empower us. Soak in his love, grace, compassion and the transforming power only he can give us. At times seeing breakthrough from emotional hurts can all seem too hard. We may be aware of the wonderful promise that Jesus says to us in John 14:25-27, "The Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. How do we gain victory? Graham Cooke, a brilliant speaker and gifted man of God [see www.grahamcooke.com] shares a vision the Lord gave him that provides a key insight. In the vision, Graham saw himself as a tiny, puny man facing a huge giant, over 8m high.

14 Graham was terrified. He felt intimidated, crushed and powerless. Somehow he gained the strength to lift his head. Behind the huge giant he saw the face of Jesus pop out from behind a cloud. Graham felt his spirit lift. Then Jesus began to smile and wave at him. Graham found his confidence rising and peace enfolding him. Then Jesus spoke, The giant can t see me. Only you can see me. Now look back at the giant. Graham was stunned! The giant had shrunk and was now a puny figure, while Graham had grown and was now a giant. At that point, Jesus reminded Graham, My peace I give you...do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) So easily we can focus on the hurt, the person, the pain (the giant ). Or we may chose to focus beyond the person who has hurt us. Beyond the problem. FOCUS ON JESUS. HE OFFERS US LIFE. HEALING. Focus on the majesty of Almighty God and reality of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Receive the healing God brings. He loves you he really loves us. Where fear once walked, love now reigns Where heartbreak took root, love now reigns Where dreams were crushed, love now reigns And you can taste the everlasting joy in the place of His love Annette Roberts

15 Focus on who is with us in every step of our journey... WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE, HOLY ONE, SON OF THE HIGHEST, EMMANUEL, LAMB OF GOD, PRINCE OF LIFE, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, ROOT OF DAVID, WORD OF LIFE, KING OF KINGS, I AM, LORD OF LORDS, ADVOCATE, THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE, DAYSPRING, LORD OF ALL, MESSIAH, SON OF GOD, SAVIOUR, SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF YOUR SOULS, AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH, CHIEF CORNERSTONE, RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, LIGHT OF THE WORLD, MORNING STAR, HEAD OF THE CHURCH, CHIEF SHEPHERD, RESURRECTION AND LIFE, I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

In Jesus heals damaged emotions, you ll discover: Indicators that our emotions have been damaged Steps for the journey to healing The liberating truth ~ we are the Father s favourite Our identity in Jesus Christ How the refining fire of God sets us free The Jesus who is with us in our journey Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright 1993-2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group Fathers Love Letter, used by permission of Father Heart Communications, copyright 1999-2004. www.fathersloveletter.com Acknowledgment: Selwyn Hughes [ holy fire insights] Booklet Ross Wakeley 2009