Why Some Wounds Take Longer to Heal

Have you ever had a wound that just wouldn’t heal?

A while ago, I injured my fingers while cooking dinner. I was cutting up garlic and sliced my finger. While I went to get a bandaid the chicken started burning. My husband opened the kitchen window to let the smoke out. After cooking, I decided instead of asking for help to close the window, I thought I would do it myself. I tried to close it, but when I did my fingernail caught and started to rip off. Ouch!

Every time I thought it was getting better I’d bump it on a cabinet, hit it while washing dishes, or catch it on something without realizing it. The Lord reminded me that just like my injured finger, bitterness can work the same way.

Emotional wounds linger because we keep reopening them.

God can show us what we are carrying and invites us to lay it down.

Hebrews 12:15 warns us that our own bitterness can spread.

"When we replay the conversation, relive the betrayal, rehearse the hurt, it’s like bumping that injured finger all over again."

“Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.”

Hebrews 12:15 (TPT)

Bitterness can cause infection just like a wound can become infected if not taken care of properly. It can infect our thoughts, our relationships and our spiritual walk with the Lord.

How do we take care of bitterness? I can give you 3 things that have helped me.

1.) We bring the wound to Jesus.

He can heal our bitterness. Trust him.

“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

Psalms 147:3 (NLT)

2.) Stop picking the wound.

Every time we choose forgiveness instead of rehearsing the hurt, we allow God’s healing work to continue.

3.) Protect the healing.

We protect our hearts by mediating on scripture, praying instead of replaying, setting healthy boundaries and refusing to entertain the bitterness.

Forgiveness doesn’t erase the scar.

Forgiveness allows the wound to heal.

My finger eventually healed. I gave it the time and care it needed.

Take time to examine your heart to see if you have any bitterness that you need to release.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, thank you for caring about every wound I carry. You see my hurts. Please forgive me for any bitterness I'm holding on to instead of placing it in your hands. I release the pain to you. I trust you with justice and allow you to heal any brokenness in me. Guard my heart and teach me to walk in freedom that comes through forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen.

You are in my prayers,

Celeste

Written by:

Celeste Ford