Overcoming Father Wounds a 7-Day Reading Play by Kia Stephensናሙና

Day 6: Surrender our wounds to God.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147: 3

Through connecting with women of differing ages, races, and backgrounds, I realized that saying a woman had father wounds was a narrow description; limiting the scope of the problem to two words was insufficient.

Although the words father wounds offered a level of understanding, there was still so much that needed to be defined for me. That two-word phrase needed to be unpacked. Inner healing demanded I identify the specific types of wounds that impacted me. I began to name them: trust, affirmation, love, acceptance, identity, provision, and significance wounds were a few that I noticed in me. I had a diagnosis and a general understanding of some of my symptoms, but what I longed for was a cure—a lasting solution for my wounded state.

It can feel overwhelming when we begin to identify all the ways that our father wounds have impacted us. Exchanging our pain for God’s perfect love is no walk in the park and it doesn’t happen overnight, but it can happen. I’m reminded of this in Psalm 147:3 that says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Although this Scripture is specifically referring to the exiles of Israel, I believe these words are applicable to women with father wounds. In this verse God is reminding us that our pain is not beyond His tremendous power. He is the Great Physician, able to reach into our past and heal our soul.

The Scripture says “He heals,” meaning this healing is ongoing. It is not a one time deal but rather a supernatural act that can occur over and over in the life of the brokenhearted. For as much and as long as we need healing, God’s compassionate care is available to us.

The Hebrew meaning for the word “brokenhearted” is defined as the inner man: encompassing the mind, will, and emotions. God is capable of healing our unseen places. He not only heals the soul of the broken, but He also binds up our wounds. This is my favorite part of this Scripture because the word “wounds” is plural. This means it does not matter how many wounds we identify in our lives, whether they are physical, mental, or emotional, God is able to heal them all.

He takes the time to tenderly bandage the wounded places in our souls so that we can be made whole. One day the sting of father wounds will be gone completely. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes once and for all (see Rev. 21:4). This is a promise we have and an eternal hope found only in God our heavenly Father.

What are the wounds you need God to heal in your life? Ask God to help you trust Him as he does the healing work in your life.