A Glimpse – The Gambia

Is anyone among you sick Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is something everyone seeks at some point in life. In times of suffering, pain, or brokenness, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and promises of restoration. God is described as the Great Healer who mends our wounds and brings wholeness to every aspect of our lives. Scripture reminds us of God’s ability to restore not just the body, but also the heart, soul, and mind.

Here are seven Bible verses that speak to God’s healing power and offer encouragement for those in need of restoration.

1. Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”

God’s promise in this verse is one of restoration. No matter how deep the wound or how severe the brokenness, God assures His people that He will bring healing. This verse serves as a reminder that nothing is too far gone for God to repair. His desire is to bring health and wholeness to His children, both physically and spiritually.

2. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

While physical healing is important, God also tends to the brokenness in our hearts. When we feel crushed by life’s circumstances or overwhelmed by grief, He is near, offering comfort and healing. He binds up the wounds that no one else can see, restoring our inner peace.

3. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

God invites His people to seek healing through prayer and the support of the community of believers. The act of calling on others to pray in faith demonstrates a trust in God’s ability to heal. This scripture reassures us that God hears and responds to prayers offered in faith.

4. Isaiah 53:5
“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.”

Through Christ’s suffering and death, spiritual healing is made possible for all. His wounds bring us salvation, and in that salvation, we find the ultimate healing for our souls. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal healing that comes through Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'”

God reveals Himself as “Jehovah Rapha,” meaning “the Lord who heals.” This verse underscores God’s power and desire to bring healing to His people. It is a reminder that God not only heals, but He also protects and preserves His people when they walk in obedience to His word.

6. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

True healing is found in coming to Him. When life’s burdens become overwhelming, Jesus offers rest and restoration for the soul. His gentleness and compassion bring peace and relief to those who are weary, making Him the source of ultimate healing for our emotional and spiritual struggles.

7. 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are offered new life, free from the bondage of sin. The healing referred to here is both spiritual and physical, pointing to the completeness of the restoration that Jesus offers.

Conclusion

Healing is a multifaceted process that touches every aspect of our being—our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. These verses remind us of God’s deep care and His promise to heal us in every way. Whether we are seeking relief from physical illness, emotional pain, or spiritual brokenness, the Bible assures us that God is the Great Healer, and His power is available to those who seek Him.

Doom for the People of Judah

1 Then the Lord said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel were standing here pleading with me, I would not show these people any mercy. Make them go away; make them get out of my sight. 2 When they ask you where they should go, tell them that I have said:

Some are doomed to die by disease—

that's where they will go!

Others are doomed to die in war—

that's where they will go!

Some are doomed to die of starvation—

that's where they will go!

Others are doomed to be taken away as prisoners—

that's where they will go!

3 I, the Lord, have decided that four terrible things will happen to them: they will be killed in war; their bodies will be dragged off by dogs; birds will eat them, and wild animals will devour what is left over. 4 I will make all the people of the world horrified at them because of what Hezekiah's son Manasseh did in Jerusalem when he was king of Judah.”

5 The Lord says,

“Who will pity you, people of Jerusalem,

and who will grieve over you?

Who will stop long enough

to ask how you are?

6 You people have rejected me;

you have turned your backs on me.

So I reached out and crushed you

because I was tired of controlling my anger.

7 In every town in the land

I threw you to the wind like straw.

I destroyed you, my people,

I killed your children

because you did not stop your evil ways.

8 There are more widows in your land

than grains of sand by the sea.

I killed your young men in their prime

and made their mothers suffer.

I suddenly struck them

with anguish and terror.

9 The mother who lost her seven children has fainted,

gasping for breath.

Her daylight has turned to darkness;

she is disgraced and sick at heart.

I will let your enemies kill

those of you who are still alive.

I, the Lord, have spoken.”

Jeremiah Complains to the Lord

10 What an unhappy man I am! Why did my mother bring me into the world? I have to quarrel and argue with everyone in the land. I have not lent any money or borrowed any; yet everyone curses me. 11 Lord, may all their curses come true if I have not served you well, if I have not pleaded with you on behalf of my enemies when they were in trouble and distress. ( 12 No one can break iron, especially the iron from the north that is mixed with bronze.)

13 The Lord said to me, “I will send enemies to carry away the wealth and treasures of my people, in order to punish them for the sins they have committed throughout the land. 14 I will make them serve their enemies in a land they know nothing about, because my anger is like fire, and it will burn forever.”

15 Then I said, “Lord, you understand. Remember me and help me. Let me have revenge on those who persecute me. Do not be so patient with them that they succeed in killing me. Remember that it is for your sake that I am insulted. 16 You spoke to me, and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. 17 I did not spend my time with other people, laughing and having a good time. In obedience to your orders I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. 18 Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won't they heal? Do you intend to disappoint me like a stream that goes dry in the summer?”

19 To this the Lord replied, “If you return, I will take you back, and you will be my servant again. If instead of talking nonsense you proclaim a worthwhile message, you will be my prophet again. The people will come back to you, and you will not need to go to them. 20 I will make you like a solid bronze wall as far as they are concerned. They will fight against you, but they will not defeat you. I will be with you to protect you and keep you safe. 21 I will rescue you from the power of wicked and violent people. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

Jeremiah 15