Unlocking the Door

January 6, 2017

Day 3 of Book of Healing:  Turning Back to See Who Is There
"Oh Lord, you alone are my hope.  I've trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.  Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me.  No wonder I am always praising you!" —Psalm 71:5-6

When I first read that scripture I thought that I wish that I was always praising God, but the truth of the matter is that I am not.  More often than not, I am doubting His/Her love and in the same breath and thought, I know that He/She is my hope.  My only hope really.

At the end of each entry Dr. Anderson, the author, offers a prescription (RX) for healing and a prayer. It is these two sections that touched me more deeply than the scripture.  The RX said "If you are running from God," (which clearly I have been) "stop and turn back. He has always cared for you—and always will."  The prayer was "Father I confess I turn my back on you all too often, doubting your goodness in my life.  Thank you for always chasing after me and welcoming me with open arms."  Reading each brought me to tears because I was reminded of what God can do if you are willing to let Him/Her in.  You just need to open the door.

Upon typing that, I know it to be true, but I feel as if I am just cracking the door.  I'm not ready to swing the door wide, but at least I'm not just looking through the peephole.  I have unlocked the door and opened it a little...


Day 4: Hidden Devils
"Jesus went around doing good and healing all who where oppressed by the devil, for God was with him." —Acts 10:38

In this entry Dr. Anderson tells the story of a man who believed he was possessed by the devil.  Upon examination and a variety of tests, the doctors, Dr. Anderson, the author of the book, being one of them, determined that the man suffered from a pituitary tumor, which explained the "unusual size of [the patient's] face, feet, and hands." They began treatment and the man's "schizophrenia" symptoms improved.  "God had removed 'the devil' that had tormented this man for so many years."  By putting quotes around "the devil" I felt at first that Dr. Anderson was being a bit dismissive, as if he didn't believe that the devil is real and is able to possess people.  More likely his choice reflects his belief that the tumor was the devil's mechanism, but that God works through medicine as well as through spiritual means to heal us.  We should not simply rely on prayer in such situations.

Day 5: God Wants You To Blossom
"The Lord said to me, "Look Jeremiah! What do you see? And I replied, "I see a branch from an almond tree." And the Lord said, "That's right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans." —Jeremiah 1: 11-12

In day 5's entry Anderson explains the significance of the almond tree as a symbol of God's vigilance and faithfulness.  When we wonder if God is looking out for us or if he even cares about what happens in our lives, we should look to the almond tree as a reminder that God wants us to "blossom under his care. You are not alone in the battle. God wants you to enjoy the world he has created, and he wants you to hope for even better things to come—in the next world, our forever home."

When I first read this entry I was encouraged, but I also felt a twinge over the "battle" image.  "We are not alone in the battle."  I thought, why does everything have to be a battle?  Life is a battle, we must fight, we must be victorious...  Ugh! Everything comes back to that.  When you think about it, it's true.  There is no growth without conflict.  No growth without pain of one kind or another.  So suck it up, push through, realize your potential, strive for your best, give it all you've got.  There is something grand and glorious about prevailing.  There is no doubt about that.

Day 6: Modern Miracles
"Now put your hand back into your cloak," the Lord said,  So Moses put his hand back in, and when he took it out again, it was as healthy as the rest of his body." —Exodus 4:7

In Day 6, Anderson tells the story of a young woman who was experiencing anaphylactic shock from shellfish.  He attests to the fact that they may have used modern medicine to treat her, but it was "God who saved Allison's life."  If she had reached the emergency room just five minutes later than what she had, she would have been in "full cardiac arrest."   Again Anderson aims to prove that God works both spiritually (guiding the situation so that she would arrive at the hospital just in time) and through modern medicine.  He urges us to not "overlook or dismiss everyday miracles just because they don't happen the same way they did in the Bible." I especially like the prayer he included.
"Lord, your power is beyond my imagination.  Help me to recognize your hand at work throughout my day. I praise you for how intimately you know my needs."   I used to be more attuned to God's hand in my life.  I want to see his hand moving again.  I believe I am currently seeing him work or I would not be writing this blog.  I would not be unlocking the door I have held shut for so long.