Healing Tree Hope 2.2

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (I Peter 2:24).

The redeemed of God have great assurances in His secure provisions. This assurance can become a reality through belief. "Belief" is a complex word, for it embodies much of what is beyond human capacity to conceive. To believe is to think--often without concrete evidence-- something has a true foundation or possibility. Whatever is believed, it follows it is perceived this can occur.

Belief can occur on many levels. One can believe God exists, for example. This belief cannot be formulated in a natural sense, but the "unnatural" realities of the conception of God can be formed. When one perceives the glorious appearance of the universe, there is evidence of God's power, which is believable, though the One Who performed this remarkable creation is unseen.

Belief occurs on the spirit level, through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). It seems possible, for instance, that one can believe the One Who set the universe in motion can surely resolve human trials. Realization of this assistance often comes, however, through thoughts based on the not yet seen. It is a resolve within--an unseen assurance. If it "seems" something is possible, there may be a glimmer of hope.

Belief also occurs through knowledge, the head level (I Thessalonians 2:13). This knowledge comes with trust in the Word of God. When negative possibilities in everyday life manifest as glorious outcomes, more information concerning what God can do shifts the trust/belief level in God. When "something" causes things to occur out of seemingly nowhere and outcomes change, God's capability can be elevated in one's belief system. Every time someone is not destroyed by a probable negative outcome, there is credible evidence of God's sovereign power.

Belief is likewise on the level of the heart (Ephesians 3:14-19). Belief in the heart is a level of trust in God rooted and grounded in His power and incomparable love for humankind. One's thoughts, then, follow the mantra: whatever is trying to devastate a life, God's distinctive love can establish a standard and a path for it to be conquered.

The empowered spirit, divinely informed mind, and trusting heart usher in steadfast hope in God's ability to heal, redeem, and restore. He IS trustworthy!

Rev. Patricia R. Williams, Ph. D., D. Min., LMFT

Clergy Leader and Principal Pastoral Psychotherapist

Sacred Scripts, Inc.

Writer, Wisdom Pages Trademark