By Nancy Virden (c)2019/ edited 2024

My son Jon was nine years old when he carried a steak knife into a tree. Sure enough, he fell and cut his hand open.

At first, it looked like a bandage would do; upon a closer look, I decided to take him to the doctor. Sure enough, he needed stitches to prevent infection.

Emotional bandages serve a purpose; words of encouragement offer comfort, wise counsel surrounds us with some protection, and learning new ways of thinking can reshape our outlook. These temporary bandages are not enough.

Though I know God led me to the right people (therapists and psychiatrists) and has provided for my medical needs such as psychiatric medications, all the resiliency strategies and psychiatric care in the world cannot change my goals, dreams, or choices.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that deep emotional wounds need stitches. Without them, infections such as depression, anxiety, and more threaten to undo the health that’s been achieved. For me, willpower has never been enough to permanently alter built-in fears, distrust, and compulsive behaviors. Many people can say the same. 

Since emotional infection easily grows out of control, we need the Difference-Maker who is Jesus. His love, his hope – these are the stitches that permanently heal deep wounds. Since first posting this article five years ago, I see evidence of more growth. I had described a fear of abandonment, nonetheless, that is now completely gone. I have learned to place my hope in Jesus’ promise to never leave.

Jesus is the Highest Power. Not a platitude-pusher or quick-fixer for emotional pain, he walks us through any trial toward change, health, and stability.

Jesus’ stitches involve the Word of God, worship, and honest praying. We begin to see his permanent healing when we confess our sins and offer our lives to him. This source of personal inner power and emotional victory never fails because Jesus is alive.

He offers solutions to our permanent problems. He is the Redeemer who accepts our Repentance and leads us through Recovery from past hurts. His promise is Rest.   

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” 

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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