We all are in a war, and Satan uses our wounds to defeat us, but Jesus came to heal our souls and our emotional wounds.
Key Scripture: Luke 4:16-21
Jesus said He came to set the captives free. We have wounds that we just can't overcome by ignoring. They are deep in our souls, but Jesus wants to heal all of our wounds. Emotional healing will bring tremendous freedom to an individual's life:
- Jesus said He came to heal the brokenhearted. (Matthew 21:42; Ephesians 1:6)
- A broken heart causes rejection in our lives. Satan can use this sense of rejection to build strongholds within us. When we reject God, it opens a door to the Enemy. We may need inner healing from emotional strongholds if we struggle with anger, insecurity, pride, independence, being easily offended, excessive shyness, and a desire to be in constant control.
- Jesus came to heal our emotional bruises. (Luke 4:18; Matthew 18:21-35)
- A bruise is an inward hurt and can hold us in bondage. To be bruised means to be crushed. Regarding bruises, Jesus said we need to be set free. Unforgiveness is the main door that being bruised can open. When someone wounds us, Satan is there, ready to build a stronghold through the pain. These strongholds, therefore, show there are wounds in our souls that need to be healed.
Please consider the following directions and questions:
- Read Isaiah 61:1-5. What about these verses most encourages you? Why?
- Why do you think the Enemy tries so hard to bring things into our life to cause us to be brokenhearted?
- Why do you think people have a hard time coming to God to find healing for their broken hearts? What makes it hardest for you to come to God with your broken heart?
- The Bible says, "God is love." What are some of the ways God's love brings healing to our hearts?
- Is there an area of your life where you've had a broken heart and God has healed you? As encouragement to other, please share that testimony.
- Take a moment to wait on the Lord and ask Him if there is an area of your heart that has been broken and He wants to heal. Invite Him to come heal that part of your heart.
- Pray, "Father, I submit my brokenness and bruises to You. Heal my heart and my memories. I ask You to heal me now from all the stress and give me holy forgetfulness. I choose now, by an act of my will, to forgive, to forget, and to be healed."
Please feel free to discuss these points, and the lesson in general, in the comments section, below.