“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).
As I laid in bed at 3:30am contemplating life, I considered how blessed I am to have access to good medical care. Many of you know I went to the ER recently because of what I thought was food stuck in my throat. The ER doctor thought maybe my throat was scratched but that didn’t explain some of the other symptoms. He sent me to the GI doctor who then thought I had severe heart burn. Neither doctor ever said to me, “You’re wrong, it’s not stuck food.” They let me have my say and then suggested what they thought was the problem. After my symptoms have continued to develop, I’m inclined to now agree with them! I have certainly been in situations where the doctor was wrong, or at least did not help with my immediate need. But overall I am thankful doctors don’t just listen to me, because then I would only treat the symptoms and not the real problem.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV). When Christ forgave the paralyzed man, He solved the true problem (Luke 5:18-20). Paralysis was a symptom, a result, but not the actual root cause. I could assume that the man’s friends were a bit surprised when Jesus initially forgave the man without healing him. Perhaps they were wondering if they would have to carry him home again and that wasn’t the deal they signed up for. Although this man’s body was damaged, the greatest damage was in his heart. Jesus specializes in heart problems! This man’s heart was burning for a forgiveness that only God could provide and after his cure his heart burned to spread the good news of what Jesus had done for him.
There are many things that can cause heart burn. As I was cruising the internet for tips on heart burn relief, I came across an article discussing a 2018 study where they found that many people who suffer with heart burn also have anxiety. What a blessing it is that Jesus can relieve both! “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (ESV John 16:33). Hard times will come, whether because we are witnessing for Jesus or because we simply live in a sinful world where bad things happen. Through both trials, Jesus has promised to give us peace and to be with us.
It is difficult for me to always remember to give my anxious thoughts to Jesus but the Mighty Counselor’s door is always open. I pray during this troubling time your hearts will burn to claim the promises of God.