The scriptures are overflowing with Bible verses about healing. We experience various types of wounds throughout our lifetime. Broken hearts, shattered spirits, and contentious family ties and relationship are among them. However, there are scriptures that apply to every type of wound we might experience in our lifetime.
You or someone you know may be experiencing a struggle: mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual. And yet, there’s a passage for finding strength and healing in times of brokenness. Let’s explore some of these verses and how we can apply them to our lives. No matter the type of healing we might need.
Can God Heal Me?
We can confidently claim verses of healing and wholeness. But it is easy to become discouraged when we know so many people who have not received their healing. We may have beloved friends or family members who may be struggling with mental, emotional, or physical wounds. Even if they are faithful followers of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we’re told that we were purchased by Christ’s death on the cross. Therefore, our bodies belong to God. Additionally, in Matthew 6:25-29, we are reminded of God’s faithful care to his other creations. With this in mind, imagine how much more care he has for us. God is invested in us because He loves us. For this reason, we can be confident in scriptures like Isaiah 53:5. Even in the Old Testament, the prophet foretells of what Christ would go through and what He would provide for us.
But Why Does God Heal Some and Not Others?
We can confidently claim verses of healing and wholeness. But it is easy to become discouraged when we know so many people who have not received their healing. We may have beloved friends or family members who may be struggling with mental, emotional, or physical wounds. Even if they are faithful followers of Christ.
There are many theories as to why some people have found healing while others find that it is a life-long pursuit. In the Bible, the most well-known example is Job, a faithful man of God who experienced terrible trials. From the decline in his health and wealth to the devastation of losing his family, Job went through it all. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul spoke of a “thorn” in his flesh that the Lord would not remove from him.
In Job’s story, the reason for Job’s suffering is never clarified. According to Paul, the “thorn” was a spirit that kept Paul from becoming conceited. Consequently, the lesson from Job and Paul’s stories is that God is faithful and trustworthy, no matter our circumstances. Life in a fallen world comes with many pains. But we have the promise that God takes all things and works them out for good.
For Job, God was faithful to restore Job’s health, all of his material blessings, and then some. As for Paul, in Romans 8, we find the apostle confident in God’s ability to repurpose our pain.
Healing Scriptures in the Bible
Certiantly the Bible is a guide to holistic restoration through Jesus. There are passages we can apply to specific struggles we might face throughout our lives. Because the word of God is a powerful and living source, these scriptures can be applied in several different ways. For example, we can use healing scripture to:
- Build our faith for healing through reading and quoting these scriptures.
- Seek God for counsel and wisdom through incorporating these scriptures into our prayers.
- Claim the power of these scriptures by speaking them over our lives or the lives of others.
- Encourage ourselves or other believers by reminding them of God’s promises and the power of the blood of Jesus.
Bible Verses on Healing in the Old Testament
Even before God’s people had the blood of Jesus by which to claim healing, followers of God knew him as a faithful healer and deliverer. Moreover, several scriptures of the Old Testament reveal how God’s followers leaned on him for healing and restoration in dark times.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” — Jeremiah 17:14
“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.” — Psalm 6:2
“The Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” — Psalm 41:2-3
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,” — Psalm 103:2-4
Healing in the New Testament
We also find both demonstrations of healing and ministry advice from some of the more prominent Christian leaders of the New Testament. Paul, Peter, and John were among these leaders. Additionally, in the book of James, the author shares how followers might seek, receive, or minister healing.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” — James 5:14-15
Scriptures on Healing the Mind and Emotions
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:28-29
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7
By His Stripes, We Are Healed
Today, the issue of whether or not God miraculously heals the physical body is an issue of hot debate. Some believers claim physical miracles are extinct acts of the Old Testament. For others, they are strictly a work of Jesus’ ministry while he was on Earth. According to Jesus, these acts were meant to be a regular part of the Christian life. Several scriptures in the New Testament describe how Christians can and should participate in miracles like healing and deliverance. Three of the clearest examples we have of this are:
Above all, as believers, we can always trust God’s plan for us. We can always be confident that He understands our suffering and has provided for our healing through the work of Jesus on the cross.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” — John 3:16-17
Additional resources for healing:
Recovering emotionally from a traumatic experience
