Psalm 103:2-3 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.”
Psalms are powerful texts of biblical theology and praise, as well as healing texts. Psalmists awed at God’s bounty in terms of both physical and spiritual health; counting their blessings while extolling his power to save from all their troubles; they celebrated his love and goodness knowing that all suffering will eventually be resolved through healing.
Healing is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:8-11), and many Christians seek it through prayer. They believe that when healing energy from God flows to their bodies it signifies an acceptance of his will for their lives and allows them to overcome sickness or disease. Furthermore, Christian believe when their bodies are restored through this supernatural intervention it shows they are living according to His will and in obedience with His plan.
Sometimes prayerful healing is supplemented by other techniques, like the “laying on of hands.” With this technique, the healer lays their hands gently on someone sick’s body before entering a state of meditation to access healing energy – then sends this energy directly back to them from a distance. They believe this method may bring about positive change to a person’s condition such as healing wounds, curing illnesses or relieving discomfort.
Christian “healers” must possess both competence and compassion when providing care. In order to effectively treat patients, he or she must offer scientifically accurate diagnoses and treatments while at the same time understanding the meaning behind their suffering, concepts of health, and value systems.
Jesus healed the sick throughout Galilee, Judea, and wherever else He went – to authenticate His Messiahship and give Israel a taste of heaven’s kingdom. Furthermore, He knew many were suffering not just physically but spiritually too – He encouraged them to look beyond suffering into an age to come where all sins and diseases would be forgiven and all will be made whole again.
Many are suffering more from ailments of the soul than diseases of the body today, becoming weary from life itself and needing God’s healing touch in order to return to living a fulfilling existence. They must hear His promise that they are forgiven and receive his love that can heal their sorrows. Additionally, it’s comforting knowing that He understands their pain, making a way through it so they may live lives full of vigor, health and fulfillment within His perfect kingdom – for which their lives will only get better as time passes!
