Prison Walls

So often it feels as though no one can understand our pain. Our fears. Our worries. Our grief. When we’re going through something, those closest to us with the best of intentions, will often try and give a solution or tell you they understand. And yet, does it ever feel that way? If we’re lucky enough to have someone journey with us through pain, even then, they’re limited in what they can actually do. At best they can listen and be there to check-in and let us know we’re not alone. That is a precious gift and those are people to hold near and dear. Even with the gift of that support, we’re still left seemingly alone. When the phone call or visit comes to an end, when the text exchange is done, there’s that moment when the realization hits, what we’re facing hasn’t changed. The pain, heartbreak, anger, hurt, loss, fear, worry. It’s still there isn’t it?

The pain we experience, it seems there’s a weight to it. We can feel it on top of us, trying to consume all that we are. Our time, our thoughts, our feelings, our actions, our reactions. The pain becomes a prison. Prison of addiction. Prison of broken relationships. Prison of repeated mistakes. Prison of anger and unforgiveness. Prison of shame and regret. Prison of hurt. What breaks my heart, is that so many of us, myself included for too many years, we live this way. We carry this weight and live in these prisons not knowing it’s possible to be free. To be healed. To truly have the pain taken away, to have breakthrough in our lives, that what may have been a battle throughout our lives can come to an end in victory.

Here’s what I’ve come to know. There is no human who can take our pain. Not a friend. Not a parent. Not even your soulmate. They can journey with you through it, love you through it, but they cannot take it. They cannot break you free from any prison you may be living in. They cannot heal our wounds. A person simply cannot do it. The reality is the wounds are often too deep. The burdens too great. We live in captivity for so long, we begin to accept that the prison of pain is a life sentence.

Underneath our pain, within those prison walls, my friends there is often a wound. Underneath it all, for many of us, is a hurt that hasn’t been healed. And the problem is, time does not heal wounds. It just doesn’t. The only one who can take the pain, the only one who can heal the wound, the only one who can tear down prison walls, is Jesus. There is no shame with Jesus. There is no judgment with Jesus. There is no pain with Jesus. I realize for those who may not know Jesus in this way, that this may sound made-up or too good to be true. I share these truths with you not as someone who simply believes in Jesus, believes he’s able to do these things. I say this to you as a witness to his healing power, his breaking down of prison walls, his forgiveness and love that takes our greatest wounds, regrets, shame, pain and brings healing, comfort, hope, love. 

No matter what’s happened in your past, where you are today, it is never too late with Jesus. It is never too much for Jesus. Will you trust him today? Will you invite him in? Jesus can and will take every ounce of pain you’re carrying. Every burden you are bearing. Every worry you’re holding. If you’re ready for the prison walls to come down, a simple prayer you can pray now to begin the healing process: 

Jesus, I want to be free of my pain. I want to be free of these prison walls. I want the healing only you can offer. The peace and light and hope you have waiting for me. I am inviting you in. I ask forgiveness for my past regrets, mistakes, anger and hurt. I am here with open hands, asking for your healing and your hope to invade my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’d like to know more about healing prayer and inviting Jesus into those areas of your life where wounds need to be healed, simply email blog@calvarylg.com and we’ll be happy to get in touch with you and tell you more. 

Praying blessings of healing, freedom, peace and hope in Jesus.