The Bruises Of Life

I went to have some blood drawn for some tests, which usually results in a large bruise that takes weeks to go away. This time, though, I came away with no bruise at all.

Today as I was reading my devotionals, I came across the following verse, and two words from this verse jumped out at me: "bruised" and "truth".

Isaiah 42:3 – A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. (NKJV)

I grew up being taught to keep secrets. Some were good secrets, such as a gift for a birthday. Others were of an unhealthy nature. These were like bruises, very deep and on the inside, and not seen by people. Since coming to the Lord and as I have journeyed with Him, I have been healed. Part of the healing has been to let go of the unhealthy secrets. This has also created a learning experience for me in how to share Jesus with others. Jesus was never meant to be kept as a secret, but He came to bring light into a dark and hurting world and into individual lives.

Bruising is a part of our lives — whether it lasts for a few days or goes much deeper within us. Bruising does not have to be visible for it to be a part of our lives. Bruises that cannot be seen from the outside are covered in darkness; bruises on the outside can be seen and are in the light. Jesus wants to heal all our bruises; He can see them all. He wants to shine His light into all areas of our hearts and lives.

Ephesians 5:8 – For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we thank You that You care so very much about us all the time. Help us to let You in, to heal all our bruises. Help us to be a people who shine light and healing into the lives of others, through all that You have done for us. We want to live as children of the light, as Your Scripture says. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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