Over the last eight years of my parenting journey I have suffered many wounds to my heart and soul. More times than I can count I’ve been in great need of deep, inner healing due to the stress and strain. My daughter struggles with addiction, self-injury, and mental illness. She’s been suicidal, in psych wards, and rehabs numerous times. Where can you turn for help when your soul is wounded?

If you’re anxious, depressed, sad, or can’t sleep you can go to a medical doctor, a psychiatrist, clergy, or a counselor. Each are beneficial and have good things to offer. After turning to some of these professionals I found I needed still more help for my heavy, broken heart.

I also turned to the One who made my heart and understood it like no other. I turned to the Lord God Almighty and to His life-giving Word, the Bible. I wanted to read everything Jesus said to those he healed – physically, as well as spiritually. He knows all types of pain. He understands when no one else can. He alone has the words of life.

What did Jesus, the Healer, say when he healed someone’s body or soul? I wanted to know, so I made a list of  everything I could find. It took weeks. Many of them are from the gospel of John and most are repeated in the other gospel accounts, so this list is only a partial list. It’s my hope that as you read these words, a deeper healing will begin to stir inside your hurting heart. They’ve been healing oil for mine.

I also threw in a few other healing words from the Old Testament. There are so many.

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!”    ( John 5:8)

“It is I; don’t be afraid.”  ( John 6:20)

“. . .  the truth will set you free.”  ( John 8:32)

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”  ( John 8:36)

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  ( John 10:10)

“Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11:43)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you . . .”  (John 14:27)

“Did I not tell you if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”  (John 11:40)

“You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.”  (John 14:14)

“Because I live, you also will live.”  (John 14:19)

“Take heart! I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

“I am willing. Be clean!”  (Luke 5:13)

“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  (John 14:6)

“I Am the Resurrection and the Life.”  (John 11:25)

“I Am the Light of the world. ”  (John 8:12)

“I Am the Good Shepherd.”  (John 10:11,14)

“I Am the Door.”  (John 10:7)

“I Am the Bread of Life.”  (John 6:35)

“I Am the True Vine.” (John 15:1)

“He sent forth his word and healed them.”  (Psalm 107:20)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. I will be with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9)

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”   (Genesis 18:14)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.”  ( Jeremiah 31:3)

Heavenly Father, as we read these words, may they bring healing to our hearts and souls. You understand our pain. You know what we need. Speak, Lord. We’re listening.

In Jesus’ Powerful Name. Amen.