In a world filled with contradictions the question of healing is haunting. So much is wrong in our circumstances that the thought of healing reeks of the impossible. Adding to the seeming insanity in our land is the fact that we live now in a global universal consciousness. The world’s problems are now our problems.
In 626 B.C., the prophet raises the question regarding healing for the oppressed: Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? In other words, is there no healing for the masses?
I would like to offer the hope found in the ABC’s of Salvation in Romans as a model for healing.
∙ Acknowledge the need for healing
∙ Believe that healing is possible
∙ Confess the need for healing and the willingness to be responsible in the midst of the healing process.
We do a lot of talking about the problems that we are faced with on a daily. We even analyze our problems with a great degree of accuracy. We can point out how we got to where we are affirming our part in it. But rather than being consumed with the need to act, we are satisfied with our ability to intellectualize. Sadly, that is not enough to affect our healing.
It is required that we move from a position of intellectual assent to a belief that healing is really possible. We must be willing to believe that if we exercise our confidence and trust in a process, that healing will come.
Confessing the need for healing will require responsible action on the part of the those who are serious about change. If we believe in the process, we will give that belief our hands, feet, our voices. Then, we can go into our communities to share with others the need for healing and encouraging them to join the fight. Healing of the land and healing for the world will begin with the determination of each one who has accepted the task of being ambassadors for reconciliation.
Our oppressed fore-parents got it right: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
