“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.” St. Augustine of Hippo
While reading Daniel chapter 6, the story about Daniel being thrown in the lions’ den, the Holy Spirit highlighted the last half of verse 23: “…no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.” The angel of God closed the lions’ mouths so that no physical harm was done to Daniel. Since my passion is heart restoration, I began to ponder how trusting in God can set us free from emotional wounds or offense.
To trust means “to place confidence in; to rely on and to commit to the care of in confidence.” When we trust God, we need not be offended, knowing our Father knows best and that He’s good and sovereign, in control of all things. Trusting God means we know He will protect and take care of us as well as work it all out for our good. (Romans 8:28) Believing God has our best interests at heart allows us to trust Him for all things, even when people hurt us.
Hurt people hurt people by their rejection, anger, punishing them with silence or with hurtful words and by passive aggressiveness. The cycle of hurt ceases when we humbly trust God and forgive those who have wounded us. Emotional wounds are not always as obvious as physical ones, but they are there nonetheless. Our pain is displayed when we isolate ourselves in hopes of protecting our heart from further hurt. But the cost of withdrawing, as seen in loneliness, disobedience by burying our talents, and not being a part of God’s answer to a hurting world, is far more painful.
The secret to not having wounds is trusting God and that is displayed when we thank Him for what or whom has offended us. It takes humility to be grateful for our hurt and to offer up a sacrifice of praise for our loss and disappointments in life. But when we do, we are set free. It’s not easy to get to the place where no wounds are found in us, but the effects on others may be the motivation we need to trust God.
When we trust God, and are no longer the walking wounded but instead are the walking healed, our lives will shine brightly to a lost and hurting world. Just as in Daniel 6, others will take notice that the God we serve is “the living God who endures forever, His kingdom will not be destroyed and dominion never end. He rescues and saves, performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.” (Daniel 6:26-27) The impact of Daniel trusting God wasn’t just for him, but for the world. King Darius, the pagan king, decreed that the people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. Trusting God so that no wounds are found on us will impact the world.
You’ve heard it said, “Time heals all wounds.” I believe trust in God, heals all wounds.
“Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him.”
Oswald Chambers
Relevant Reflections:
1. How can knowing God has your best interest at heart, prevent offense from sticking?
2. Trust God by showing acts of forgiveness and thanksgiving this week.
3. Is it obvious to others that there is no wound found on you?