In his hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer," William W. Walford poetically testified, "In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief." I am mindful that for many of us, those "seasons of distress and grief" often come without warning. A middle-of-the-night phone call, a sudden health crisis, an unforeseen large expense, a life-threatening accident, or even an intimidating threat of legal action, can blindside us emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

That's why God's self-identifying statement, "I am the Lord, your healer" [Exodus 15:26 ESV] is so meaningful. With exquisitely skillful care and ceaseless compassion, He willingly provides divine "first aid: medical attention that preserves life, prevents worsening conditions, and promotes recovery" [Wikipedia].

Amidst "seasons of distress and grief," it is comforting to know that God, "heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds" (Psalm 147:3 NLT). Indeed, the King of the universe is "close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed" (Psalm 34:18). "...Each day he carries us in his arms" (Psalm 69:19 NLT). Think about that for a moment. The One who is supreme in all creation is willing to bandage our wounds, to rescue us, and carry us in His arms!

Captivated by that thought, I took some time to reflect on what it might look like if God bandaged my wounds. (For you medical professionals out there, please pardon my medical ignorance!) Writing out my thoughts, I journaled, "Emmanuel. God with us... God with me. And while I know that You can surely heal from a distance, it is a whole different experience to have you bandage my wounds. Initiating in relentless love, You humble Yourself and take on the form of a servant. You take the risk to tenderly touch my place of pain. You irrigate festering wounds with Living Water and wash away the sediment of hurtful words and actions. You apply antibiotic balm and You gently place gauze over the wound. You carefully splint the broken places, aligning them to the Truth of Your Word. Indeed, You are present in the pain. You save and rescue. You replace lies with Truth. You conquer seemingly unconquerable pain. And as the days go by, You change the dressing. You unwrap and continue to irrigate and apply more balm and place fresh gauze and You carefully re-wrap with fresh bandages. Thank You that You really do tend my wounds. You are attentive in the healing process and zealously guard against infection. I am so grateful to You! Standing on the other side of a long season of distress and grief, I can truly testify, "You heal the brokenhearted and bandage their wounds! You are the Lord, my healer!"

Precious one, are you walking through a season of distress and grief? Know this. God is near to your broken heart. Instead of recoiling, fearful of more pain, perhaps this is your moment, as William Walford succinctly put it, to "believe his Word and trust his grace." Open up your heart and trust in the kind intention of the will of the Great Physician. Surrender your pain to the healing hands of Christ and invite Him to bandage your wounds.

And as you journey through the healing process, may the words God spoke to Hezekiah saturate your heart with supernatural peace. “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Behold, I am healing you..." (2 Kings 20:5 NLT). Amen.

*Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

William W. Wafford 1845