February 5, 2021
I am the Lord, who heals you. Exodus 15:26
This week my dentist said two words that would make any sane person cringe: root canal. One of my canine teeth had turned greyish and to determine the cause I was referred to an endodontist. After a 20-minute tutorial on the inner workings of teeth, I left his office enlightened.
At some point, as long ago as childhood or as recently as this past year, my tooth experienced a trauma. Trauma in the form of a car accident, an overthrown baseball or even orthodontics can alter the growth of nerves in a healthy tooth. When the nerve dies, the tooth becomes discolored. In my case, the tooth also developed a blockage in the root canal to protect itself from further harm.
While this is probably more information than anyone outside of the dental profession needs to know, it’s an apt metaphor for spiritual life. At times in our Christian walk, we experience trauma. The death of a loved one, a career path cut short, and addiction or abuse are just some of the challenges that can create an emotional blockage or cause us to turn inward to protect ourselves from further harm.
At those times we need an experienced professional to put things into perspective and help us move forward. Instead of allowing your thoughts to dwell on pain, fear, or anxiety, spend time in Scripture—I recommend a 20-minute tutorial or more—and learn what the “experts” have discovered about overcoming trauma. Here’s a sampling from the healing word of God:
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2
Heavenly Father, help us to put the trauma of 2020 behind us and look forward in hope and healing. You who created us can make us whole when we put our trust in you. Amen
Kim Atchison