The purpose of a scab is to safeguard the wound as it heals. However, scabs can be hard to resist picking off prematurely, and sometimes they fall off accidentally; in such cases, bandages are helpful. But what about protection for our spiritual wounds? Are scabs and bandages provided for those hurts?
He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds (Psalm 147:3 CSB).
A week ago, I burned my arm on a hot pan; it was only superficial, but it did form a small scab. The Holy Spirit used that crusty casing to teach me a valuable lesson about safeguarding the mind against attacks when waiting for prayers to be answered. Here’s my story:
The other morning, I was elated; I could see the light at the end of the tunnel; the answer to my long-awaited prayer was coming soon. But within the hour, the rejoicing was replaced with gloom and fear. I asked the Holy Spirit what happened. He used my burn incident as a metaphor to explain.
You didn’t safeguard the wound (the prayer request). So, the devil was successful in stealing your praise. Accepting the enemy’s lies, your protective scab (faith) was peeled off. Guard your prayer intentionally, as aggressively as a lioness protects her cubs until it manifests; beware of what you think; you don’t have to ponder every thought that enters your mind, especially when your faith in the matter hasn’t solidified and is open to doubt.
Ways to safeguard the wound:
- Don’t contaminate the wound by concentrating on the hurt.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8 KJV).
- Stay in the presence of the Lord.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1 NKJV).
- Safeguard the wound from predators.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8 NKJV).
- Purify the wound.
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16 NKJV).
Safeguard your spiritual wounds until they completely heal.
© 2023
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.