Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

— Jeremiah 17:14

Yesterday I shared about my grandfather who had fought in World War II and was badly wounded. A shell exploded close to his position, and he was hit with many pieces of shrapnel.

Later, in a makeshift hospital, a surgeon took out the bigger shell fragments. But smaller ones were left in my grand­father’s body for the rest of his life. As a result, he had difficulty passing through security scanners because pieces of metal under his skin would set off alarms.

Most of us do not experience such dramatic events in our lives. But we may carry bits and pieces of our traumas from the past. In our media ministry we often hear from people who cannot enjoy their life fully because of severe hurts they experienced years ago. Their wounds can still set off alarms in their daily living.

The Bible teaches us to turn to the Lord in every situation—particularly in our hurts and struggles. Though we may be in pain or feel haunted by old memories, God is closer than we realize. Like the prophet Jeremiah, we can lean on the Lord in faith.

Intellectually we may know that the Lord heals and saves. But when we trust him fully, his salvation and peace become our personal reality.

Father, set us free from the burdens of old traumas and bitter memories. Give us a heart of praise by assuring us of your love and salvation in Jesus. Amen.