Healing Light
by Annalene Holtzhausen
The Word of God is filled with an endless supply of wisdom, guidance and help for every situation we may find ourselves in. Sometimes we just don’t link what we read with what is happening in our own lives.
The enemy of this world operates in darkness and will do anything to keep us in that darkness. We sometimes make wrong choices, experience traumatic events and even suffer because of other people’s wrongdoings that affect our lives. If we don’t work through these wounds and hurts, the enemy loves to load us with shame, fear, guilt and misery. This in turn prevents us from bringing these hidden issues into the light. Sometimes we are so ashamed of something we did, or were involved in, that we refuse to share it with anyone. Self-condemnation sets in and we sink away into inferiority and thoughts about not being good enough.
Another way of dealing with it is to ignore the wrong in our lives and to operate from a place of pride and denial. We justify our actions and eventually we harden our hearts and keep the Lord at a distance. People who react in this way often hurt those close to them without even realising it.
In Psalm 32:3-5, David describes the result of keeping things hidden in the darkness, but also about the blessing of receiving forgiveness for our transgressions: ‘When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said: “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone - my guilt dissolved; my sin disappeared’ (The Message).
Today’s scripture confirms what David described in Psalm 32. Often something in our lives appears huge and impossible to be resolved or restored. Because of fear, shame or guilt we then keep from sharing this dark and painful secret. This is the place of bondage where the enemy wants us to remain. But note the words in verse 13: ‘then their true nature is revealed’. When we bring our issues into the light, we are actually allowing God into this place of hurt and giving Him the chance to bring His truth into our lives. In the darkness and over time, the enemy weaves his lies into our situations. When the Lord brings His truth, these lies are exposed for what they actually are and in this place we find His freedom and healing.
The Lord will guide you gently to the right place and time to open up about your sins and sufferings. All you need to do is to place your hand in His and acknowledge that you are battling and need His help. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Prayer: Lord, I’m battling. You know all about me and what has happened in my life. Today I choose to lift my gaze and put my trust in You. I don’t know the way forward, but You do. Please help me and guide me towards healing and restoration. May Your light shine on me and bring Your victory over the enemy’s schemes. Amen.
Annalene Holtzhausen is on the Associate Team at Ellel, Africa. She is married to Renier, who introduced her to Ellel Ministries. She is a full-time mother to their two boys. Her passion is for the restoration of women’s hearts and for people to find their worth in the Lord.
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