A diagnosis for what ails you ∙

A diagnosis for what ails you ∙

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

John 8:12 “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light

John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,

Every year, we brace ourselves for the impending flu season. While often uncomfortable, the flu poses a significant risk to specific individuals. 2020 appeared to be shaping up as an ordinary year, but little did we know we were on the brink of a global health crisis with a death toll reaching the tens of millions.

On January 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began closely observing a mysterious cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Chinese officials were deep into investigating this outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) taking the lead on the international front. As the pandemic spread across the globe, it unforgivingly claimed countless lives, leaving a trail of deaths in its wake.

When we experience severe flu-like symptoms, we typically consult a doctor. They diagnose our ailment and provide a prescription. In most cases, a week or so later, the aches and pains are gone along with the congestion. However, COVID-19 proved to be no ordinary virus.

Our human spirits are subject to spiritual “flu” as well. In the same way, we catch the flu, we can catch a broken spirit.

What is a broken spirit? In the Scriptures, the terms heart and spirit are connected and often used interchangeably. The Hebrew word translated as broken or crushed is nake. Nake is used only four times in the Old Testament. It has the sense of being beaten, wounded, battered, or defeated. It refers to someone or something brought low or subdued in their condition or status. A broken spirit or heart is downcast and consumed with despair and discouragement.

Hearts are wounded, and spirits are broken when we are young. Trying times and difficult circumstances rob us of our peace, stability, and safety. Focus on the family unit for a moment. Were repeated mistreatment, rejection, abuse, and lack of love and/or support at work part of the mix? Were both parents by our side or did one play an active role while the other remained passive or entirely absent?

Fractured family dynamics and inappropriate, irregular relationships cast shadows of sadness, confusion, and fear upon our souls. Our spiritual and emotional vigor wanes, dimming the once-bright light within us. Bruised and battered, we seek refuge beneath our covers, concealing ourselves in the darkness, yearning for the storm to pass. Regrettably, it may persist relentlessly, year after year, without end.

A wounded spirit can produce an internal, almost lethal depression. The vibrancy of life, joy, happiness, and cheer diminishes and is sometimes extinguished entirely. A spirit filled with hope and goodness can endure even in the face of illness and adversity. However, if the spirit is despondent, even when nothing is overtly wrong, life becomes difficult to bear.

REFLECT & PRAY

Proverbs 18:14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

Father so often, my heart is in pain. The joy seems to flee, and I feel empty and hollow. Only You can bring healing to a wounded spirit. Please allow me to experience the joy of my salvation.

INSIGHT

Who among us hasn’t faced moments of joylessness at different times in their lives? We earnestly search for a solution in such times, and the Father possesses the perfect prescription. The Father, true to His word, never makes promises He does not keep.

A wounded, broken spirit can be likened to spiritual heart disease, accompanied by related symptoms. The solution, the remedy, is also spiritually based. Recognition and use of the spiritual resources that the Father has given us are the antidote for a wounded heart. Through their diligent application, recovery, and restoration become attainable goals.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Attempting to change our circumstances or running away from them is not the solution. What is? Modifying our response to our circumstances. As we shift our mindset, spiritual heart health becomes attainable.

How do we get a healthy heart? The Father provides an outline for repairing a broken and contrite heart: listening to and heeding rebuke and correction, respecting the Father, and embracing humility.

Proverbs 15:31-33

 31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

 32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

 33 Respect him for the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

Studying and embracing the word of God grants us fresh insights and capabilities. A new skill set is provided when we study and internalize the word of God. Through His Word and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the Father offers a whole new way of living. The Father uses a contrite heart, heart sickness, and deep inner reflection; that transformation is realized. Such contrition is expressed “in submissiveness to God’s word and obedience” (NIDOTTE).

Isaiah 66:2 I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who respect what I have to say.

The Father provided helpful guidelines that transform sadness and fear into joy and confidence.

Proverbs 3:7-8

 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

 8 Instead, respect the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 15:16-17

 16 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

 17 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

Proverbs 12:25-26

 25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

 26 The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

This verse emphasizes the value of spiritual wealth over material wealth. Having “a little with the fear of the LORD” suggests living a simple life with reverence and respect for God. On the other hand, “great treasure and trouble with it” alludes to the idea that while one might have immense material wealth, it often comes with problems or strife. The central message is that it’s better to have fewer material possessions and be in right standing with God than to have abundant wealth with its accompanying troubles.

Proverbs 15:17 “Better is a meal of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.”

This verse carries a similar sentiment but focuses on the quality of relationships and the environment in which one lives. A “meal of vegetables” can be seen as a simple, modest meal, whereas a “fattened ox” would have been considered a feast or a luxury in ancient times. The proverb suggests that sharing a simple meal in an atmosphere of love is far more valuable than indulging in a lavish feast where there is animosity or hatred.

Together, these verses highlight the themes of simplicity, righteousness, genuine relationships, and the value of spiritual wealth over material possessions. They emphasize that what truly enriches our lives isn’t wealth or luxury but our relationship with the Father and the love we share with others.

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© Dr. H 2023