Tag Archives: healing

DEAR GOD: I Love How You Remain Close~

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Psalms 34:18 (NKJV) - The LORD is near to those who have | YouVersion

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (KJV)

 

When God Draws Near
by C D SWANSON~

There are seasons in life when the heart feels too heavy to lift, too bruised to beat with hope, too weary to imagine joy returning. Yet it is in these very moments—when we feel most fragile—that God draws closest. Scripture does not say He sends comfort from afar; it says He is nigh—near, present, attentive, leaning in with compassion.

A broken heart is not a sign of spiritual failure. It is often the evidence of deep love, deep loss, deep longing, or deep disappointment. And God does not shame the brokenhearted; He shelters them. He does not rush their healing; He carries them through it. He does not demand strength; He offers His own.

The contrite spirit—the humbled, honest, trembling soul—is precious to Him. God meets us not in our polished moments, but in our raw ones. He sits with us in the quiet, gathers our tears, and whispers truth into the places where lies have tried to take root. He reminds us that brokenness is not the end of the story; it is the place where His restoration begins.

When God draws near, He brings peace that steadies, hope that rises, and mercy that mends. He brings the kind of healing that does not simply patch the heart but renews it. He brings purpose out of pain and beauty out of ashes. And He does it gently, faithfully, lovingly—because His heart is tender toward yours.

If you are walking through a valley today, know this: God is not distant. He is not silent. He is not indifferent. He is near—closer than your breath, closer than your fears, closer than your sorrow. And He will not leave you there. His nearness is your healing, your strength, and your promise of brighter days ahead.

Lord, thank You for drawing near to me in every moment of brokenness. Thank You for seeing my heart, understanding my pain, and holding me with compassion. Help me to feel Your presence today in a deeper way. Heal the places that hurt, restore what has been lost, and breathe hope into my spirit again. I trust Your timing, Your love, and Your gentle care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Name Heals & Provides~

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Healing In His Wings

Malachi 4:2 (KJV) “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”

The Rising With Healing
by C D SWANSON~

This verse is one of the most tender promises in all of Scripture. Malachi paints a picture of God’s righteousness rising like the morning sun — steady, unstoppable, and full of warmth. The night may feel long, the shadows may cling to the edges of our hearts, but dawn is guaranteed. God Himself is the sunrise.

The phrase “healing in his wings” is breathtaking. In Hebrew imagery, the “wings” refer to the edges of a garment — the place where blessing, covering, and protection rest. It is the picture of God bending low, wrapping His presence around His people, and restoring what darkness tried to steal.

Just as the sun touches everything — rocks, waves, shorelines, valleys — God’s healing reaches every hidden place. Nothing is too broken, too bruised, or too far gone for His light. When the Sun of righteousness rises, He brings not only illumination but restoration. He does not simply reveal what is wounded; He heals it.

This is the promise for every heart that reverences His name: Morning is coming. Healing is coming. Hope is rising.

Reflective Thought

Where in my life do I need the Sun of righteousness to rise and bring healing today?

Supportive Scripture

Psalm 84:11 (KJV) “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory…”

“LORD let Your light rise over my life today. Shine into the places that feel weary, wounded, or hidden. Wrap me in the healing of Your presence, and let Your righteousness warm every cold corner of my heart. Thank You for being my sunrise, my shield, and my hope. Help me walk in the healing You so freely give. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Teach Us About Your Loving Heart~

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“Jesus wept.”—John 11:35 (KJV)

The Tears That Teach Us God’s Heart
by C D SWANSON

The shortest verse in Scripture carries one of the deepest revelations of God’s character. “Jesus wept” is not simply a moment of sorrow; it is a window into the compassion of Christ. Standing at the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus knew He was about to raise him from the dead. He knew joy was moments away. Yet He still allowed Himself to feel the weight of human grief, the sting of loss, and the ache of those He loved.

His tears were not a sign of weakness but of divine empathy. They tell us that God is not distant from our pain. He does not rush past our sorrow or silence our emotions. Instead, He steps into them with us. He feels what we feel. He honors our tears with His own.

In this single moment, Jesus shows us that love is not only expressed in miracles but also in shared sorrow. His tears sanctify our tears. His compassion dignifies our grief. His presence assures us that no valley is walked alone.

When we face heartbreak, confusion, or loss, this verse whispers a truth we desperately need: God is moved by what moves us. He is not indifferent. He is not cold. He is not far away. He weeps with us, walks with us, and ultimately brings resurrection into places that feel hopeless.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who feels deeply and loves completely. Thank You for entering our sorrow, carrying our burdens, and meeting us with compassion. When my heart aches, remind me that You are near, that You understand, and that Your presence brings comfort and hope. Teach me to trust Your timing, rest in Your love, and believe in Your power to bring life where there has been loss. Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Heal Us With Your Light & Presence

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Free God's Healing Cliparts, Download Free God's Healing Cliparts png ...Healing in the Light of His Presence
C D SWANSON

“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.”    Malachi 4:2 (KJV)

This verse from Malachi carries a warmth that feels almost physical, like stepping out of a long night into the first rays of morning. The imagery of the “Sun of righteousness” rising is more than poetic — it speaks to renewal, restoration, and the kind of healing that reaches deeper than the surface. In ancient times, wings symbolized protection, covering, and nearness. To say that healing is found “in His wings” is to say that healing is found in His Presence, His nearness, His covering over our lives.

For someone walking through weakness, uncertainty, or the slow work of recovery, this verse becomes a promise that God’s healing is not distant or theoretical. It is active. It is rising. It is moving toward us like dawn that cannot be stopped. Healing may not always come instantly, but the rising of the Sun is steady, sure, and unstoppable.

Throughout the day, this verse invites me to look for the small evidence of God’s restoring work — the moments of peace, the strength to take another step, the comfort that settles when fear tries to rise. It reminds me that healing is not only physical; it is emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal.

By evening, when the day’s weight settles in, this verse becomes a reminder that God’s covering hasn’t lifted. His wings — His protection, His compassion, His Presence — remain over me. Healing is not a single moment but a continual rising of His light into every shadowed place of my life.

“LORD, let the Sun of righteousness rise over my life today. Cover me with Your wings and bring healing to every place that is weary, hurting, or uncertain. Help me to rest in Your Presence, trust Your timing, and walk in the warmth of Your restoring light.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: I AM LOVED BY YOU ALWAYS~

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“Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool…” Isaiah 66:1

Isaiah 66:1 is one of those rare passages that feels like a doorway—an opening into the vastness of God’s Presence and the tenderness of God’s nearness. It is a verse that stretches our imagination upward into the infinite yet simultaneously draws our hearts inward toward intimacy. In a single breath, it reminds us of the grandeur of the Creator and the gentleness with which that same Creator regards humanity.

🌌 The Majesty That Cannot Be Contained

When God declares that heaven is His throne, we are invited to consider a reality far beyond our limited senses. This is not a statement of distance but of magnitude. It is a reminder that the One who formed galaxies, who set the stars in their courses, and who shaped the contours of the earth is not confined to temples, buildings, or human-made structures.

The verse gently challenges our tendency to shrink God down to something manageable or predictable. Instead, it opens our eyes to a God who is immeasurable—whose presence saturates all of creation. The earth itself, in all its beauty and complexity, is described as His footstool, not to diminish it, but to elevate our understanding of divine greatness.

💗 Yet a God Who Draws Near

What makes this verse especially beautiful is what it implies: If God is so vast, so beyond comprehension, then how astonishing it is that He chooses to dwell with the humble, the contrite, the sincere.

The surrounding message of Isaiah 66 is not about God distancing Himself from humanity but about God seeking hearts that are open, gentle, and receptive. The One who fills the universe is also the One who bends low to listen to the quiet prayers whispered in the dark.

This is the paradox of divine love: Transcendence without aloofness. Majesty without intimidation. Power without domination. Holiness without rejection.

🌱 A Call to Humility and Wonder

Isaiah 66:1 invites us into a posture of humility—not the kind that belittles us, but the kind that frees us. When we recognize the vastness of God, we are liberated from the illusion that we must carry the world on our shoulders.

We are reminded that we are held by something infinitely larger than our fears, our failures, or our limitations. The God whose throne is heaven is not overwhelmed by our struggles. The God who rests His feet upon the earth is not threatened by our imperfections.

Instead, we are invited to live with open hands and open hearts, to walk gently upon the earth, and to cultivate a spirit that is attentive to the sacredness woven into every moment.

🌤️ A Love That Fills All Things

Ultimately, Isaiah 66:1 is a love letter written in the language of awe. It tells us that God’s presence is not confined to a single place or ritual. It is everywhere—woven into the sky, the soil, the breath in our lungs, the quiet spaces of our souls.

It reassures us that we are never far from the One who made us. We live, move, and exist within the embrace of a love that spans the cosmos.

🌺 A Closing Thought

To meditate on this verse is to let your heart expand. It is to remember that you are part of something immeasurably beautiful. The God who reigns over heaven and earth is the same God who knows your name, who understands your tears, and who delights in your existence. And in that truth, there is peace. There is belonging. There is love that cannot be measured.

God of all comfort and wonder, draw my heart close to Yours today.
Let Your Presence calm every fear, soften every burden, and fill me with the peace that only Your love can give. Teach me to trust Your timing, rest in Your strength, and walk gently in Your grace. May my life reflect Your kindness, and may my spirit stay open to Your guidance. Hold me, shape me, and lead me into the fullness of Your light. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

DEAR GOD: Your Lamp Lord Is In Each Of Us ~

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Lamp of the Lord · Knowing Jesus Ministries

Proverbs 20:27 — “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly.”

This verse is often overlooked, yet it carries profound depth. It tells us that our very spirit — the breath of life within us — is God’s lamp. A lamp does not exist for itself; it shines to reveal, to guide, and to uncover hidden places. In the same way, the Lord uses our spirit to illuminate the deepest corners of our hearts, exposing what is hidden and bringing clarity to what is confused.

In today’s world, where distractions cloud our vision and fear often darkens our path, this verse reminds us that God has placed His searching light within us. We are not left wandering in shadows. His lamp burns in our spirit, guiding us toward truth, convicting us with love, and comforting us with assurance.

To live with this verse inside us is to embrace transparency before God. It means allowing His Spirit to search us, not with condemnation, but with the tender purpose of healing and renewal. When we yield to His lamp, we discover freedom: freedom from hidden burdens, freedom from self-deception, and freedom to walk in the radiant clarity of His presence.

This is not a harsh light but a loving one — a light that reveals so we may be restored, a light that searches so we may be set free. In the Lord, our spirit becomes both a vessel and a witness of His glory, shining into the world with hope and truth.

“LORD, You are the Light that dwells within us. Thank You for placing Your lamp in our spirit, searching us with love and guiding us with truth. May we welcome Your illumination, surrendering every hidden place to Your healing touch. Let our lives shine as reflections of Your glory, bringing hope to others and peace to our own hearts. Keep us faithful to walk in Your light, today and always. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Flesh May Age – But My Spirit Is Young~

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THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

 

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16

Renewed Strength in a Fading World

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16 remind us of a profound paradox: while the body inevitably ages, weakens, and faces decay, the spirit can grow stronger, fresher, and more alive. In the ancient world, this was a radical encouragement to believers who faced persecution, hardship, and physical suffering. Today, it speaks just as powerfully into our modern context.

We live in a culture obsessed with outward appearance, youth, and vitality. The pressure to maintain a flawless body can leave many feeling inadequate or fearful of aging. Yet Paul shifts the focus: the true renewal is not in cosmetics or physical preservation, but in the inner life — the soul being continually refreshed by God’s Spirit.

This renewal is not a one-time event but a daily process. Each morning, as we turn to God in prayer, scripture, and gratitude, we participate in this inward transformation. It means that even when illness, fatigue, or stress weigh us down, there is a deeper reservoir of strength available. The Spirit breathes resilience, hope, and joy into us, making us radiant from within.

Especially today, when anxiety and burnout are widespread, this verse offers a countercultural truth: our worth and vitality are not defined by external measures but by the ongoing renewal of our inner being. It invites us to embrace stewardship of our bodies while anchoring our ultimate hope in the eternal renewal God provides.

In closing, as our bodies age, and the minutes and seconds continue to tick away, our spirit is being refreshed, renewed, and strengthened daily.  Our roots in the LORD deepen. The cares of the world start to truly belong in the “rear view mirror of life” as we look to the horizon, in anticipation of the King of kings return. And look forward to the eternal rewards promised that await us when we are called home.

But for now – we have work to do as long as we are here in the “aging flesh” and we must do all according to His will and purpose…

“LORD of life, thank You for the gift of renewal. Though our bodies may tire and falter, You breathe fresh strength into our spirits each day. Teach us to value the inner work of Your Spirit above fleeting appearances. May our lives radiate hope, resilience, and joy, even in seasons of weakness. Renew us daily, that we may walk faithfully and shine Your light in a weary world. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Trust Beyond Circumstances~

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Audio Scriptures Do Not Fear God Is With You - YouTube

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

 

Life can be filled with all kinds of surprises – some good, some not so good. And the surprises can be life altering in both good and bad. The timing is unexpected, and the circumstances can be delightfully welcome, or devastating.  How do we handle both good and bad?  – there is only one correct answer for that – there is no “multiple choice” responses – the only answer is “God.”

There are times when I feel too numb to “feel anything” and begin to wonder if I’ve somehow lost my sense of ability to react to emotions – good or otherwise. But that is a component of life that many will encounter. It’s the invariable ups and downs and all arounds of LIFE.

But during all of these moments, and sensations or lack thereof – the only One that gets me through the cycle of life – is LIFE itself – which is to say my LORD and Savior.

  • Times are unsettled. Our LORD is anything but – He is constant.
  • Times can be chaotic. Our LORD is anything but- He is Peace.
  • Times can be scary. Our LORD is anything but – He is soothing.
  • Times can be painful. Our LORD is anything but – He is painless.

It’s okay to feel three dimensional – or one dimensional, after all we are humans. Within our flesh bodies come cascades of varying degrees of emotions and events that we react to.  But it’s so much better with a person of faith than those who have no baseline or hope or trust or love or God. I’ve seen both sides of the coin, especially in my past career working in the nursing home industry.  First, as the social worker, then as the Administrator of our nursing home. And I’ve seen all sides of humans, behavior and otherwise. The good sides. The bad sides. The beautiful sides. And the ugly sides. And I tell you this with full certainty – those with faith were able to withstand all sides of life including those surprises, both good and bad.

For those who didn’t believe, well they languished in an abysmal vortex of nothingness. They were seemingly waiting for “nothing” and didn’t care about “anything.” All hope gone, perishing and clinging to a vapor and mist of existence.

I write this not to depress my readers, but to bring comfort and uplift those of faith to even greater heights if possible.  And to those readers who are here for the first time, perhaps to elevate their circumstances and let them wonder what “Christ is all about.” Perhaps to pick up a Bible and read. Or to reach out to someone and ask questions about life with God in it.  A friend, a pastor, a teacher – a neighbor – anyone who follows the LORD and knows Him intimately can bring about a current of understanding and knowledge of how GREAT He is!

LIFE is a moving phenomenon.  It keeps going irrespective of our circumstances, and it revolves around a 24-hour cycle. –  Within those hours we can be devoted to a God that loves us more than we could ever possibly begin to fathom or imagine. And trust Him to guide us. And love Him because of who He is and what He does and continues to do for us, 24/7, non-stop.

Are you a follower? Have you reached out to Him today no matter what you are going through? Of course, He sees and knows, you and your heart – but He wants to hear it from you directly.

Go to Him – it really makes Life – LIFE!

“LORD, thank You for Your Presence in our lives, for Your continuous show of love, and for Your Word, Your promises, and for the blood of Christ, we are ever faithful, ever grateful, and love You now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.

  • Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
  • Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT) “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”  
  • Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
  • Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

DEAR GOD: We Are Forgiven To FORGIVE~

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Forgiveness from Jesus - Copper Hill Church

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

 

This verse is a gentle command wrapped in grace. It reminds us that forgiveness isn’t just a virtue—it’s a reflection of Christ’s love. To be tenderhearted is to allow compassion to soften the edges of our pain. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past, but it releases its grip. When we forgive, we echo the mercy we’ve received, and in doing so, we become vessels of peace.

It is a Christian act to “forgive” and it is a Divine connection to the LORD and all He represents. When we take on the strength – provided to us by Christ – we are following His doctrine and His example. We are able to assume and assimilate into a living witness of what Christ represents and shine His light to others.

We will NEVER be anything “in the near vicinity of Who He is” – but we try and give thanks to Him for affording us the opportunity in His mercy, and redemption of our souls – to do so.

Forgive others – as you forgave us, a process that isn’t too easily accomplished at times. However, it is required of us as Christians to do so. Christ commanded it.

 

“LORD, You forgave me when I least deserved it. Teach me to forgive with that same mercy— not because it’s easy, but because it’s holy. Let my heart be tender, not bitter. Let my words be gentle, not sharp. Let my spirit reflect Your grace, even when the wound still aches. I choose to forgive, because You forgave me first.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

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The Lord Delights in You!

Micah 7:18 (KJV)
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

“He Delights in Mercy”

 This verse from Micah is a gentle thunder—declaring the Lord’s love not as a distant concept, but as a living, breathing mercy that chooses compassion over wrath. It begins with awe: “Who is a God like unto thee?”—a rhetorical cry that echoes through the ages. There is none like Him. No one forgives as He does. No one holds back judgment with such grace. No one delights in mercy the way our Lord does.

Micah speaks to a remnant—a people who have faltered, wandered, and wear the dust of their own failures. And yet, the Lord does not abandon them. He passes by transgression, not because He ignores sin, but because He chooses to cover it with love. His anger is not eternal; His mercy is.

To say that God delights in mercy is to say that it brings Him joy to forgive, to restore, to heal. Mercy is not a reluctant concession—it is His pleasure. His love is not earned; it is poured out. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel, even in the Old Testament: a God who bends low to lift us up.

Reflective Questions

  1. When have you felt the Lord “pass by” your transgression with mercy instead of judgment?
  2. Do you believe He delights in showing you compassion—not just tolerates it?
  3. What would change in your life if you truly rested in His mercy?
  4. How can you reflect His mercy to others, especially those who’ve wounded you?

Supportive Scriptures

  • Psalm 103:8 – The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
  • Lamentations 3:22–23 – It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed… they are new every morning.
  • Isaiah 55:7 – Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will have mercy upon him.
  • Luke 15:20 – But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him… and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
  • Ephesians 2:4–5 – But God, who is rich in mercy… hath quickened us together with Christ.

Prayer of Mercy and Restoration

Lord, You are not like us. You do not hold grudges. You do not delight in punishment. You delight in mercy. You see our brokenness and still call us beloved. You pass over our failures and draw us near. Teach us to rest in Your compassion, to trust Your forgiveness, and to reflect Your love to others. May Your mercy be our rhythm, our refuge, and our reason to rise again.