There are few scars more painful than those caused by loved ones departing this life.
Did you miss someone’s face this holiday season? Someone’s smile or voice? Perhaps it was someone’s laugh, fun-loving spirit, or a favorite dish you could count on that special someone bringing when you gather for Christmas.
I remember the morning my husband passed away. I kissed him goodbye, told him to have a good day, and added that I’d call/see him later. If I had known what would happen by lunchtime, I most definitely would have done things differently.
In light of what I now know, there was absolutely nothing more important than spending time with him. If I’d had the knowledge that that morning would be the last time I’d see him this side of heaven, I would have rushed him to the hospital myself, and even embraced the argument because he wouldn’t want to go. The argument would have been a small price to pay to get him the professional care that could have changed the outcome of that day not only for him but for me, my sons and my grandchildren.
Of course, there are no guarantees that professional medical care would have saved him. Only God could have done that, but it would have ruled out any regrets knowing I had done everything possible. He deserved that. I deserved that. My sons and their families deserved that.
When life is not simply disappointing but devastating at times, Jesus allows us to recline in His lap and rest our head on His shoulder. Maybe we weep or maybe we sit with Him in shock. Either way, God welcomes us to give Him our pain and confusion.
You’re not alone in your pain and suffering. Christ was separated from His Father as He hung on the cross. God cannot look at sin, so when Christ took on the sin of the world, the Father looked away from His Son. Christ lived for the Father, but when Jesus felt the Father’s absence He cried, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?”
Knowing that our sin results in death and separation, God provided a solution. We have the option to be reunited with Him and with our loved ones. He sent His Son to die so that we might live eternally with Him, as well as with those who choose Him as their Lord and Savior.
The scars of this world will fade away because of the scars on the hands and feet of Christ. Our scars are temporary because His scars are eternal. They are proof that He has paved the way for a beautiful reunion.
Whether you’re missing your beloved for the first time this holiday season or you’ve been missing them for years, I pray this song soothes some of the pain in your heart. It’s the song, Scars in Heaven, by Casting Crowns.
Watch the video here: YouTube.com/watch?v=qCdevloDE6E
I’ve shared the lyrics because reading them separately from the music video gives us a chance to pause, reflect, process, pray: Lyrics: https://genius.com/Casting-crowns-scars-in-heaven-lyrics
Scars in Heaven
If I had only known the last time would be the last time
I would have put off all the things I had to do
I would have stayed a little longer, held on a little tighter
Now what I’d give for one more day with you
Cause there’s a wound here in my heart where something’s missing
And they tell me that it’s gonna heal with time
But I know you’re in a place where all your wounds have been erased
And knowing yours are healed is healing minе
The only scars in Heaven, thеy won’t belong to me and you
There’ll be no such thing as broken and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven are on the Hands that hold you now
I know the road you walked was anything but easy
You picked up your share of scars along the way
Oh, but now you’re standing in the sun, you’ve fought your fight and your race is run
The pain is all a million miles away
The only scars in Heaven, they won’t belong to me and you
There’ll be no such thing as broken and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven, yeah, are on the Hands that hold you now
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.
- What scars of this life are still painful to your heart?
- If you still have pain associated with an event or circumstance in your life, set aside some one-on-one time with the Lord and talk to Him about this pain. Be authentic, be transparent, and you’ll have God’s heart and His ear.
- Do you believe that God’s scars for you can heal the scars of this life? Why or why not?
- Write out a scripture that has helped you through the tough times in life. If you don’t have one, find one now (or use the one in the Take Action section). Write it out and put it somewhere you’ll see it often and speak it (out loud) over your life. God’s Word is active and alive to rewrite the pain of this life.
- What is a personal takeaway from the lyrics of Scars in Heaven?
Use God’s Word to take control over the traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises in His Word.
Here is a scripture for you to print, cut and carry with you and/or post in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s Word says about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hand;…” Isaiah 49:16 (NIV)
Translation: The scars in the palm of Jesus’ hands are from the spikes driven through His hands as He was nailed to the cross. Those scars represent anyone who will choose Him in return. His knows every name that the scars represent.
