The Scars

READ: PSALM 147:3-5; ISAIAH 53:5-6; JEREMIAH 17:14

Something isn’t right, Aaliyah thought as the front door creaked open. Instead of the usual bustling energy of her home, her family, and their dog Dudley, silence greeted her.

“Mom?” she called, but there was no answer. Trembling, she walked into what should have been the living room—it was bare now, with only three large mirrors inside it.

Don’t be afraid, whispered a voice. Look at each mirror.

Approaching the first one, Aaliyah gasped. Her reflection stared back, covered in scars, inflamed and red. Mesmerized by the horror, she couldn’t turn away. Nausea burned up inside.

This is your pain, said the voice. These scars are the bullying, the disappointments, the let downs from friends who didn’t want to listen. It’s the hurt inside you building up. But you don’t have to cling to the wounds of the past. Instead, you can entrust those scars to your Creator. Take heart, Jesus is the one who can heal you.

Kneeling down on the floor, Aaliyah bowed her head. Sparkling tears fell down.

He provides tears for your healing, the voice said softly. He will comfort your soul.

Aaliyah felt her sadness beginning to wash away. After the tears subsided, Aaliyah picked herself up off the floor and walked over to the second mirror.

This is who you are in Christ. On the cross, He was scarred so that your scars could be healed.

The mirror gleamed, and Aaliyah saw golden oil being poured over her reflection. You are healed and anointed, because you belong to the risen King.

The third mirror showed a path.

Now, it is time for you to walk in light of who you are in Christ. And as you journey toward complete healing, He will walk with you, always.

Suddenly Aaliyah found herself back outside her house. When she opened the door, Mom called her name and Dudley barked loudly.

The living room was normal once more—no trace of any mirrors. Everything was as it had been before, and now it was time to start living again. • Cindy Lee

• What sticks out to you in today’s allegorical story? Have you ever brought your scars to God? He invites us to do this often so we can receive His care for us. Consider taking a moment to tell Him about any hurts that come to mind—whether physical, emotional, or otherwise. He always listens.

• Sometimes it can feel like God is far away from our pain. But that simply isn’t true. We live in a world that has been broken by sin, yet God has not abandoned His creation. He came and lived among us in Jesus. He experienced the same hurts we do, and ultimately, He let Himself be put to death on a cross—all because He loves us so much. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way for us to be healed. And He promises that, when Jesus returns to renew the heavens and the earth, all our pain and sorrow will be over and we will be fully healed. As we wait for this glorious day, how could it be helpful to remember that our scars don’t define us, that our pain is temporary, and that the love and favor Jesus has poured out on us is eternal? (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 21:1-5)

• We are not made to bear the weight of our hurts by ourselves (Galatians 6:1-10). Who are trusted Christians in your life—such as parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, or friends—who can listen to your struggles with compassion, pray with you and for you, and help you discern the next steps on your healing journey?

• Healing from emotional scars is a process. And Jesus walks with us every step of the way, helping us through prayer and Scripture, and also through the care and expertise of other people. If you need someone to talk to about this, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). 

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (CSB)