Psalms 147:3 - Laced Up Wounds

Step 1: Pray. Select.

Today, I woke up grateful for my family's care and tenderness. I began thinking about how we have an incredible ability to grow and change when we are loved and cared for.

As I searched for scripture in my prayer time that aligned with the morning's sentiment, I came across Psalms 147:3.

Let’s begin our journey there, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

Psalms 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

• He Heals

• And Binds Up Wounds

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart. Don't forget, if you are doing this alongside me today, make sure to add your name to your unique sentence:

• Jennifer, He heals and binds up wounds.

Step 4: Visualize

As I meditate on the words the Holy Spirit brought to life this morning, an unexpected picture popped into my mind. I saw a scar resembling the white laces stitched outside an American football.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the laces' functionality since I had limited knowledge of their use. The function is to improve grip and control, allowing quarterbacks to implement spin or accuracy upon throwing.

The Holy Spirit tells me God is the quarterback of our lives. Much like the laces on a football, he allows a reminder of our wounds through a scar that forms on our heart or mind, not to keep us in bondage to the pain we once felt but to reach forward to our healer, who can redirect us with better precision as we run toward the goal post he has planned for our lives.

Every time we experience something that leaves a mark on us, God's grip on us becomes firmer as our wounds heal. I found it interesting that the verse says he heals and binds, not takes away the wound.

This causes a question to come to mind, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The question that came to mind is:

• Holy Spirit, even if I get hurt or fail along the way, you promise to always be there for me, and you have demonstrated this in the past. When I face a new opportunity or decision affecting my future, why do I get scared to take a leap of faith?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

"Your experiences have caused you to guard your heart and close your mind. You look at the scars and are reminded of the pain first since your wounds are still fresh. Compared to the infinite amount of space and time your Father lives within, and as you grow closer to his understanding, you will learn to focus on the fact you are and always will be safe in your Father’s grip. Step towards the things he places in front of you. Be excited, and don’t look at the steps forward as an unknown territory but rather as ordained land ready for you to claim. You are showing up for your predestined appointment. Your future awaits. Eyes haven’t seen, ears haven’t heard. Your quarterback knows where to aim and throw you to cross the goal line of your life. You think in terms of either, or, He thinks, Alpha and Omega, beginning and end simultaneously. Not one or the other but both. It is time to stop resisting and let him take your hurts, scars, and wounds and turn everything for your good. Just lay back in his hands and enjoy the ride.”

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Father God, I come to you in the name of my LORD and Savior Jesus.

I refuse to look back anymore so you can aim and throw me into my future. Let me love freely, understanding that even if I get wounded ahead, it only allows you to take more control of me and tame my will so your will can be done.

Bring joy and excitement back into my life instead of fear and hesitation.

Free me from anything that causes me to live in bondage to old ways, and let me see the new thing you are doing inside me. Let me witness and glorify you as I allow it to spring up.

I ask this in Jesus' Holy name - Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Remember to spread hope and share your miracle or testimony HERE. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Friends, we must remember that just because we have scars or wounds doesn’t mean we must fear our future.

Let's focus on the fact that with every battle scar, we have achieved victory through Christ Jesus.

Remember, with every wound, we are bound up in love that heals beyond our comprehension.

Let’s wear our wounds boldly as a representation of showing that we are that much closer to the goal line. We are that much more precise about being thrust through the goalpost with the laces in His hands.

Be encouraged today! You are moving in the right direction with maximum precision.

To God be the Glory! See you soon.