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.
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.