“I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NLT)
Before the scientific revolution, humans often relied on religious beliefs and superstitions to make sense of suffering. We tried to figure out ways to avoid pain by appeasing God. We blamed everything on the supernatural. These days, the pendulum has swung to the other extreme. While science is useful to diagnose and treat physical and mental illnesses, it has its limits. There will always be some things that are beyond human comprehension.
Spiritual illness is hard to explain. It cannot be diagnosed by screening tests or imaging. Symptoms are vague--perhaps a general feeling of fatigue, hopelessness, or apathy. Since these symptoms are also common in mental illness, patients are often misdiagnosed and medicated. Unfortunately, medications cannot reach deeply enough to treat soul sickness. Only the breath of God can revive a comatose spirit. We must call on the Lord to heal those who are demoralized, those who find life meaningless, those who are desperate, and those who have given up hope.
“The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:17-18 NLT)
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