Hidden Injuries

In the recent fall that I took, my left tibia was severely fractured. Because the break occurred at the joint and traveled down the leg, it was the most serious injury of the fall. X-rays, doctor’s consultations and a hospitalization were all based on the severity of this break.
In addition to this broken leg, there were other injuries. I hit my head, scraped my arm and bruised or cracked a rib. After being checked out, all of these injuries took a secondary position to that of the leg. Major decisions concerning my care revolved around the tibia break.
As I am now recovering, the same is quite true. Therapy, nursing care and doctor's visits revolve primarily around the leg break. Yet the other injuries cannot go unchecked. The bump on the head has disappeared and no cognitive functions were affected. The scrapes to the wrist and arm were cleaned and maintained to prevent infection. The tenderness to the arm and elbow is fading along as minor scarring replaces the broken skin. Only the rib continues to present any problem. This bruised or cracked rib has been watched and frequently requires support to maintain deep breathing and prevent pneumonia which can occur after surgery. Although the pain is not as severe as the leg, it remains and requires attention.
The bruised/cracked rib will heal on its own. The manner in which the rib cage has been created will immobilize the rib while it mends. Yet the pain that it causes in the interim cannot be ignored. It is important to physically support the ribs so that I can cough and keep the lungs clear so that pneumonia does not develop and cause more severe problems. Unattended, this lesser problem could actually lead to serious conditions.
We are total human beings, not just a sum of parts. This is true body, soul and spirit. We can sometimes look at our spiritual and emotional lives and see a series of issues or areas in need of growth and development. God may spotlight the condition of the heart that currently requires the utmost attention. While healing is occurring and changes are being made to our character in this area, we cannot ignore all of the other areas of our lives.
God knows our heart even better than we do. He created us and knows every thought, hurt and need. (See Psalm 139) Life’s events and activities have often caused some serious wounds to our emotions and our very identity. When we are wounded, the Lord is ready to heal. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].” (Psalm 147:3 AMP) When sin causes problems in our lives, God’s response is the same. “The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.” (Psalm 34:18 AMP)
Jesus Christ came to not only provide a way to heaven, but to bring wholeness to those who would open our hearts to Him. The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound].” (Luke 4:18-19 AMP) He desires to bring wholeness to every area of our lives.
God brings wholeness to our souls by teaching us who we were created to be. This is of utmost importance and can be a long process. During this process, other areas of hurt or sin may also emerge. They must be addressed simultaneously. Although a negative attitude may not seem critical, it must be dealt with before it can grow and destroy. “Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God's grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it.” (Hebrews 12:15 AMP)

God cares about healing us completely. Allow Him to work on all areas, large and small. He will heal. “For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17a AMP) Believe and obey Him and you will hear, “And He said to him, Get up and go on your way. Your faith (your trust and confidence that spring from your belief in God) has restored you to health.” (Luke 17:19 AMP)