Each scar has its story.
We can remember where they came from and some are deeper than others. In fact, just yesterday, my niece ran up to me to share about the scratch on her finger. I could relate to her pain as I am not as graceful as some and have plenty of scars of my own to share. When I look at them I remember those hurtful moments in life. But what about the internal scars? When was the last time I really took a look at those?
There have been moments in my life of pain, disappointment, rejection, and of course mistakes, each moment leaving their own scar on my heart. Each scar used to bring about doubt and fear in my life. They aren’t visible to those around me, and I try to hide them or bury them, but they are there. And the enemy knows it. Last night I could not fall asleep as I just thought about all that distances me from true intimacy with Christ. The following verse kept repeating in my heart:
1 Samuel 16:7, But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”God sees my heart. He sees my scars, and yet still calls me His own. He still sees beauty in me. I had to ask myself, how long will I let the enemy taunt me with my scars? For so long I felt as though I was protecting my heart by hiding these wounds, but God asks me to give it all to Him. He wants to heal even the deepest wounds. He wants to restore me. He wants to restore each one of us. I can’t say it will be easy. But if I can’t trust Him with my own heart, what do I really trust Him with?
And beyond that, how do I see others? Do I really see their hearts, their scars, or even their joy? Or do I just focus on their outward appearance, not taking the time to look deep into their lives, not caring enough to understand their hearts? I can simply look at my life and those around me, and it all seems wonderful, easy even. I must remember that I am always in a spiritual battle, we all are. And it is times like these when the enemy can tempt me with the “easy” life or use my scars to remind me of my weaknesses. But by understanding my own scars and vulnerability, recognizing them, and above all, trusting God with it ALL, God is able to heal. For it is only God who can heal even the deepest wounds and provide all that is needed to face each and every battle. He is my hope and my armor.
