Under the Banana Skin
by Malcolm Wood
The other day I unpeeled what I thought was a banana in perfect condition. I was surprised to find several brown bruise marks under the skin, as there was no external evidence of them.
This made me think of the Bible verse, 1 Samuel 16:7, and how we are extremely good at concealing the hurts, bruises and pain we have incurred through life. These hurts are not always physical ones, but can be damage to our inner being, our human spirit. This may have happened to us for a number of different reasons. It could be our own doing, the actions of others, wrong relationships, or the circumstances and environment we live in.
Whatever the reason for our inner pain, we may tend to cover it up and behave as if everything is alright. On the surface everything appears to be in order, but, on the inside, this is far from the truth. Jesus knows all about these things, because nothing is hidden from Him. But nothing changes how much He loves us (see Psalm 139). Romans 5:8 says, ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’. As an old Sunday School chorus puts it like this, ‘The perfect friend is the one who knows the worst about us and loves us just the same, and there’s only one who loves like this and Jesus is his name’ (CSSM Choruses 297).
The wonderful news is that Jesus came to help us and heal us, in body, soul and spirit. If only we would open up to Him and allow Him access to that area of pain, He has the answers to our innermost needs. This takes courage. But it truly is the only answer to coming into the healing and wholeness which Jesus made available to us through His death on Calvary. ‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5).
Sometimes we need the help and encouragement of those who have struggled with similar difficulties and found answers. Many have been greatly helped on their journey of inner healing through books and teaching, such as those available through Ellel Ministries. If you are someone who is troubled by inner pain you have tried to cover up for a long time, perhaps you might prayerfully consider them as a step towards your own healing.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the healing You have made possible through Your death on the cross. Please help me to understand more of what that means and to appropriate it for myself, so I may become the person You intend me to be. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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