I put off visiting the doctor for years. Though conventional wisdom would advise me to get checked out at least once a year. This approach has taught me a straightforward but important truth: you have to ask doctors to help you get better if you want to be healed of your illness.
This holds true for both our physical and spiritual well-being, if not more so. Each of us is offered total healing by Jesus Christ from the sickness of sin, which wreaks havoc on every area of our life. It makes us turn inward, away from other people and toward our own warped impulses and needs. It infuriates, envious, callsous, and bitter us. These and a myriad of other passions can and ought to be viewed as diseases that wreak havoc on our spirits, turning us into shadows of the people we were meant to be.
Jesus, our Good Physician, longs to extend his kindness and love to you and heal you from this affliction. However, as Proverbs 28 teaches us today, we have the option to reject his mercy and cling to our transgressions in the shadows. We may "conceal our sins," possibly because we are ashamed or embarrassed and find it difficult to face the "dragonish" aspects of our existence. This makes sense, but hidden illness keeps the Lord's healing touch at a distance. When we invite Christ to shine his wonderful light into our lives and allow him to drive out darkness, healing happens.
The proverb says that we accomplish this by "confessing and renouncing" our transgressions. Opening the door and admitting we are unwell is what we mean by confession. that we require support and healing. But giving up is as important. Saying, "I am sick and I no longer want to be sick," is equivalent to renunciating our misdeeds. It is turning away from the dark and actively seeking out the light of love, accepting the healing medication that the Lord bestows upon his dear ones.
Do not let your desire for assistance or healing cause you to feel guilty or ashamed today. Instead of making fun of you, the Lord waits at the door, healing you, and yearning to put you back together. Thus, let us open our hearts to receive the healing that Jesus brings and let the light in quickly.