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I’m blessed—I’ve been fairly healthy most of my life.
I usually catch colds only twice a year and rarely get the flu, even when a lot of those around me are afflicted.
But in the last five or so years, I’ve had a thorn in my flesh.
They’re called migraines.
And they are no fun. Not at all.
For those who suffer from migraines, and any other chronic health condition, you know how frustrating it is. You have just the right plans to get everything done on your to-do list…and then…it hits.
And it’s debilitating. You can’t do anything productive. The pain is too great to focus on anything. The only thing that works for me is to pop some migraine medicine, lie down with an ice pack on my head, and sleep. And sometimes, that doesn’t even work.
The point is, even though I have done all I can to control a situation, I can’t heal my own body.
And that’s where Jehovah Rophe—the God Who Heals—comes in.
I admit it. Oftentimes I go through my day and forget to pray. I get so busy, so wrapped up in life and what I have going on—so busy with that to-do list I mentioned—that I forget to lean on my Lord.
But when I’m afflicted and there’s nothing else for me to do, I pray. I ask for healing. I realize my own weakness and my own humanity. My utter helplessness.
Why does it take me getting to the very end of myself before I remember to turn to Him, as if He’s a last resort?
In her book Praying the Names of God, Ann Spangler says, “Though [Jehovah Rophe] often refers to physical healing, it usually has a larger meaning as well, involving the entire person. Rather than merely healing the body, [He] heals the mind and soul as well.”
So, if I apply the same principle to my whole life, then I shouldn’t be waiting until I have no other options before I turn to Him. When I experience stress or any other adversity, I want my first response to be prayer.
Prayer for wisdom. Prayer for perseverance.
And prayer for healing.
Most of the time, God does heal me of my migraines. But He hasn’t allowed them to be taken away completely. Perhaps that’s just part of living in this sinful world. But perhaps He’s using it to keep me reliant on Him…
And to remind me, time and time again, of the healing power of Jehovah Rophe.
Your Turn: How has God been Jehovah Rophe in your life?
*Photo by Michal Marcol
I can think of numerous times, He's healed my heart. And I too suffer from migraines. Christmas morning. Not being able to watch your kids open gifts is TRAGIC!
Thing about God, He's more concerned with your inside healing than outside. So I have more stories of healings of my heart than my physical body, but I'm still praying about those issues!
Great post, Linds!
Love what you said about God being more concerned about heart healing than body healing. So true. He's healed my heart a number of times. He's in that business.
Oh man, I'm sorry about those migraines. I have a local friend who has chronic migraines…she once had like 16 migraines in 19 days, or something crazy like that. I hope God does eventually heal you once and for all!
I've definitely, like Jess said, had my heart healed on numerous occasions. Sometimes almost miraculously…incredible peace through something that should've shaken me so hard. Other times, that emotional healing has been a long time coming – usually because of my stubborness. 🙂 But God is always faithful, even in the midst of my stubborn days.
Loving this Names of God series!
Yikes, that's a lot of migraines! I used to have like three a week, but now they've been reduced to about one a week. So that's not nearly so bad!
And I'm so there with the whole stubbornness thing…
Oh Lindsay, I feel for you. My sister had these for years. Actually two of my sisters. So sorry you deal with these. So many ways. One of my sisters has had a malignant brain tumor for over twenty years. It makes no sense why she still lives. I also think of my post on Fri., the warning we got before we even started trying for children that we might not be able.
He can be trusted.
~ Wendy
Wow, Wendy, that's crazy about your sister! I'm so glad that God is a Healer, and one we don't always understand.
Lindsay,
I love that we have so much in common, friend — but not that it also includes migraines!
I suffered with those for years, sometimes as many as 2-4 a week.
I finally got some relief with daily medication.
And then about two years ago, a friend asked to pray for me. She interceded for me so beautifully, so tenderly, so powerfully. Since then, I haven't had a break-through migraine. Not one. Jehovah-Rophe worked through her prayers in a mighty way.
You are in my prayers, friend.
That's an amazing story, Beth! And it gives me lots of hope.
Yeah Scott suffers tremendously from cluster headaches. They flatten him for about 3 days…sick to his stomahc, no eating, only sleeping. So sad.
I admit we haven't dedicated it to the Lord, but we will now!
Thanks for the reminder!
Wow, three days! That's horrible. Mine aren't that bad, and for that, I am grateful.
Lindsay, I feel your pain. The summer before I became pregnant with my twins I suffered from migraines and it was awful. When I got pregnant my doctor told me there wasn't much I could do with medication, but sometimes pregnancy is known to stop the migraines – and thank God, mine went away. Since having the boys (they are two) I have only had a handful of migraines and they seem to be brought on by wild rides at amusement parks now…
Jehovah Rophe – the God Who Heals. What a beautiful name. I totally agree with Jessica – God is in the business of healing our hearts and what a Healer He is!
Wow, so maybe that's one reason to have kids soon! 😉 But seriously, I'm so glad yours are gone!
I'm so sorry you suffer from migraines, Lindsay. I had a few of them back in my twenties when my life was really stressful, and I understand how painful and debilitating they can be. I hope your medical team is able to help you figure out ways to effectively combat them. What I'd really like is if they go away altogether. Please, Lord.
Thank you, friend!
Oh goodness, migraines are awful. I feel for you, Lindsay.
And this post is timely for me because I have a surgery scheduled for later this week to take care of some chronic issues. I've experienced powerful healing moments in my life, but I've also had to endure through pain while patiently (or not so patiently) waiting on God's timing. In the end, He always knows best. (I wouldn't be writing if it weren't for one particularly painful waiting period.)
Praying your surgery goes well, Sarah! And I love how God uses painful periods in our life to change it…for the better. I'm so glad you're writing and that I've met you. 🙂