February 4: Healing Begins Within

 Healing Begins Within

Deneisha Campbell-Davy 
Family Life Director 
Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church 

“The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

A year and a half ago, I lost my sister, she was not just a sister to my siblings and I. She was like a mother, a teacher, a good cook and a trusted friend. To the children, not just her children but to all children and elderly, she was like “Santa” always bearing gifts. During her illness in 2023, I was fasted and prayed earnestly, sincerely 3 days per week for her healing and the healing of two other members of our church. However, in 2024, the other two individuals survived their illnesses, but my sister, my beloved sister, died. I was angry, I was hurting, my heart was not just broken, it was shattered. As one of the individuals shared their testimony of God’s goodness, I became very angry at God, not that I wasn’t happy for that person, but I asked God, why did he take my sister, why couldn’t He heal my sister too. Amid my sorrow, in the midst of my pain, God heard me and He spoke to my broken heart. “Your sister is sleeping. Don’t worry.” That’s when my healing began.

Healing often feels like something we’re waiting for. An external change, a resolution, a miracle that will finally make the pain stop. Yet Scripture gently reminds us that God’s healing work begins much closer than we expect. It begins within our hearts.

Psalm 34:18 assures us that God does not stand at a distance and watch us in our pain. He draws near to the broken hearted. When our spirits feel crushed by disappointment, grief, or unanswered prayers, God’s presence becomes most intimate. Inner healing starts not when everything is fixed, but when we allow ourselves to be fully seen and held by Him.

Sometimes the deepest wounds are invisible. Wounds of self-blame, fear, shame, or exhaustion of the soul. God meets us there. As we bring our honest emotions before Him, He begins restoring what has been fractured inside. This inner restoration reshapes how we see ourselves, others, and even our circumstances.

Healing is not always instant. It is often a quiet, sacred process. Learning to trust again, to forgive, to hope. But each step taken in God’s presence is a step toward wholeness. When our hearts are tended by Him, outer healing follows in His perfect time.

Reflection:

Have you been carrying pain or brokenness silently? Crying alone at nights thinking no one cares? Today, I encourage you to invite God in that space, in that quiet space of hopelessness. Sit with Him, unguarded, open and honest, believing that His nearness is already the beginning of your healing.

Prayer:

Lord, You see my broken heart and my weary spirit. Thank You for drawing near to me in my pain. Begin Your healing work within me, restore my heart, renew my hope, and teach me to trust You even in my weakness.

Amen.