Cure for Damaged Souls

Raise your hand if you have ever been hurt. My knowledge of human relationships tells me that everyone reading this raised your hand, at least mentally if not physically. If you actually raised your hand then you really have problems. Just kidding. Yes, we have all been hurt by someone. I have learned that the hurt is worse when it is inflicted by someone close to you. The pain is excruciating when a good friend, a parent, a sibling, or a spouse does something to hurt you. A friend may betray, a sibling rivalry may go too far, a parent may abuse or neglect, and a spouse may lie and cheat on you. Of course there are other areas where a person can get hurt badly, such as a work situation, a church setting, or in the leisure and recreational environment. No one likes the pain of a fractured relationship.

A person's emotional, mental, and spiritual recovery depends on how a broken relationship is handled. Very often everything works out, and you are able to move ahead, and live a happy, productive life. However, there are times when a person is so badly hurt and devastated that their souls are damaged. They may go years unable to recover. Someone reading this may be one of those damaged souls. If you are there is hope.

Most of us know that there is a Lover of our souls. We know his name is Jesus. He is also the Restorer of our souls. You may not have thought of that. It is his desire to restore your damaged soul making it as good as new. Jesus knows better than anyone what it's like to be hurt, betrayed, abused, neglected, and even killed. He knows better than anyone how awful we hurt when someone treats us badly. There is a wonderful little book, The Wounded Healer, by Henri Nouwen that I would recommend. It  is the best I've ever read about allowing Jesus to bring healing in times such as I have described. It involves becoming involved in service to others in ministry. Becoming active, knowing that you are needed, and can be useful in God’s service.

You may know someone who needs their damaged soul healed. You could be the one to encourage and guide them to the Healer of all damaged souls.