Healing the Invisible Scars: Letting God Remove the Hurt
The Scars We Can’t See
Years ago, I had gallbladder surgery. My symptoms were sporadic, flaring up every three or four months, so I put off the idea of surgery. It seemed silly to go through a major procedure for something that didn’t bother me very often.
What I didn’t realize was that my procrastination was leaving me with scars. The gallstones were bouncing around inside my gallbladder, creating scar tissue. By the time I finally had surgery, the damage was so extensive that the surgeon couldn’t remove it laparoscopically. What should have been a quick, one-hour procedure turned into a four-hour surgery.
The invisible scars inside my gallbladder ended up with me getting a huge six-inch scar on my stomach. It got me thinking about the other invisible scars we might carry—the ones we can’t see but feel deeply.
The Power of Words and the Scars They Leave
We’ve all heard the saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a hurtful remark, you know how untrue that is.
Words can cut deeper than we realize, especially when spoken to a child. A single cruel comment can echo in their minds for years, shaping the way they see themselves and the world around them.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV):
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Words leave invisible scars on our hearts and minds. Over time, these scars can harden us, making it harder to love, trust, or see ourselves the way God does. Just like my gallbladder, which became thickened and hardened with scar tissue, our hearts and minds can become so burdened by hurt that love struggles to take root.
The Danger of Hardened Hearts
The scars we carry might not be visible, but they weigh us down all the same. A hardened heart can block us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love. It can make it difficult to forgive, to move forward, or to believe in His promises.
Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV):
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
This verse reminds us that while we may not have the power to heal our scars, God does. He is the ultimate surgeon, capable of removing the hardened scar tissue from our hearts and replacing it with a heart that is open and tender.
Letting God Remove the Hurt
So how do we let God heal us? It starts with surrender. Just as I had to trust my surgeon to remove my gallbladder, we must trust God to work on the parts of us we can’t fix on our own.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV):
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Through prayer, forgiveness, and leaning into His Word, we open ourselves to His healing touch. It’s not an overnight process, but it’s a journey worth taking. The same God who created us knows how to restore us, no matter how deep the scars may be.
Looking Ahead to a New Year of Healing
As we step into a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the invisible scars we may be carrying. What hurtful words or past experiences have we held onto for too long?
Let 2025 be the year we invite God to do the deep work of healing in our hearts and minds. He is ready to give us a fresh start, free from the weight of the past.
To GOD Goes The Glory
Have A Blessed Day
Let’s End with a Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate healer of our hearts and minds. You see the invisible scars we carry, and You know the pain we often try to hide. Lord, we surrender these hurts to You and ask that You heal our hearts, soften the hardened places, and replace them with Your love. Teach us to forgive, to let go, and to trust in Your plan for our restoration. As we step into a new year, help us to walk forward in faith, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thanks so much. I needed this today!!
This post spoke to me and is a good reminder for the new year. Thank you, Tania.
Such a good word, Tania. Truth.
Wonderful post and so true!
Thank you for your thoughtful post.
Love your Sunday posts!
Beautifully written, Tania. A great way to start the new year. Our Lord is the great healer.
God bless you.
This is a very thought provoking post. Thank you and happy new year!
Thank you Tania very inspiring
Thank you
God bless you!
Thank you SO much for this today! At 57 yo, I’ve had an invisible scar from something my mother said to me when I was 8 yo and weve had a very difficult mother-daughter relationship my whole life. Only in the last year have I been able to confront her, and this was possible because of a Christian women’s retreat and a lot of prayer. As a result, my mother apologized, took accountability and I forgave her. Our relationship is now the best it’s ever been. Thank you for your posts, inspiration, reflections and encouragement!
Oh my! I had to have gallbladder surgery because mine was not working properly and it was inflamed, to the point I couldn’t sit very comfortably. But I had the surgery and healed perfectly fine!
God is good all the time!!
RAH
Hi cashmere used to make me itch 40 years ago! Has it improved? I’m afraid to try it!
I can’t say since I wasn’t buying cashmere 40 years ago. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you for this devotion. As a child I was cross eyed and was made fun of. I eventually had surgery. I always felt I wasn’t pretty because of that but I had to stop worrying about what others thought. I know my Heavenly Father always loved me for who I am. I forgave those who made fun of me. That’s what he would want me to do. Have great week.
People can be So cruel. 🥲
Thank you, Tania, for this timely reminder.
What a good message! I alway enjoy what you have to teach us.
Great post! Happy New Year!
Thank you. 🙏❣️
Love your Sunday posts, thank you.
The verse from Ezekiel 36 hit me hard as I was reading this. Not just because of things said to me but because I need to more mindful of words I say. I’m drawn to James and all of the verses there about the tongue but this year my verse will be from Ezekiel. Thanks again for speaking to my heart. ❤️
Such a great message for to start off 2025!
Tania, thank you so much for this inspirational post today! The message is so clear and poignant and I can’t believe anyone could read it without self reflection and recognize that we all come up short at times, and determine to closer follow God’s ways. I wish you a healthy and happy new year filled with all of God’s beautiful blessings to you and those you love. Gratefully, Jane
I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Another beautiful Sunday post! Personally, I have never had a problem with forgiveness…I have found holding a grudge only hurts me! I am so grateful that I am always forgiven by God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Happy Sunday ❤️❤️❤️
WOW! Thank you for this message. This is spot on and something I needed to hear today!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. One of my goals this year is to have a more open heart.
Please continue the Sunday devotional. Sometimes it touches me in ways that might surprise you. Although a fashion blog seems an unlikely source for spiritual inspiration, I’m very glad you share this.
I’m just as surprised as anyone that my Sunday posts are so well received.
What a powerful message . Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much for your Sunday devotion. I always look forward to reading them they’re so uplifting.
Beautiful prayer for the New Year!
Thank to for sharing!
Thank you for such a lovely post!
Thank you
Tania have you experienced these things? You write about them like you know how it feels. It was very helpful to me to read today. I have experienced this hurt and have forgiven, but still carry these scars (hurt). I will continue to pray that God’s love will free me from the weight of the past. Thank you!
Geege, I usually only write about things I experience or am going through.
Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing!
Tania,
This post couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time for me. It has been three years since my son and his wife have spoken to us. The hurt and pain from this is the most difficult I’ve ever endured. This year I am going to surrender it to God and pray He will strengthen and heal me.
Linda, I know it is painful to love someone so much, and feel rejected. There are some things we can’t control, and that is how others react and feel. Let go, and let God.
Thank you, Tanya.
Just what I needed to hear today. Have a blessed weekend.
Tania,
Great insight! Thanks for the reminder.
I thank God for His love and forgiveness. I thank you for your Sunday posts and for being willing and faithful to be a witness for Him.
Thanks for this thoughtful message on this Lord’s day! We don’t often give much thought to those invisible scars but they are certainly there! Love the scriptures you selected! Happy New Year ❤️
Great lesson and prayer.
Powerful words, thanks.
thank you for this post! Invisible scars are so hard to move on from for sure. So thankful to be able to surrender those hurts to Christ and to be healed. Amen!
I love this, I need to heal more but this really helps
Thank you. This really resonated with me. I really like the fact that you are ending with a prayer. I keep some of your emails so I can go back and say the prayers again. Have a blessed Sunday.
I’m glad you are liking and saving the prayers. 😊
What a great way to start the new year. Thank you for these Sunday posts!
❤️
what a beautiful prayer. thank you.
Amen sister