Caption: Picture taken by myself.

Location: Peaks View Park 

 

The Power of Contemplation

 

      While the text we have read thus far has been incredibly powerful, the part that resonated with me the most was the section on contemplation. This stage is essential to any form of progress towards healing and freedom. Ironically (more like divinely) enough, my Bible study reviewed a passage of scripture that demonstrated this principle. John 5 presented a story about a man who experienced an inability to walk for thirty-eight years of his life. John 5:6 states, “When Jesus noticed him lying there [helpless], knowing that he had already been a long time in the condition. He said to him, ‘Do you want to become well’? [Are you really in earnest about getting well?]” (AMP). Later in the chapter, after the man was healed, Jesus instructed him to pick his mat and continue on the journey before him. Each one of us is in need in healing. God calls each individual to certain things throughout life. Often, in order to move forward we need to allow the Lord to heal us, so we are pick up our mats and move forward. Notice Jesus’ question? Jesus is asking do we really want to be healed? At what cost are we willing to pay for healing? True healing comes at a cost. Healing requires us to work through the hurt from our past so we can be set free. Thomas & Sosin (2011) explain: “people who are in the contemplation stage of the process are wrestling with the question of whether they want to change or whether they have the ability to change… change exacts a price and raises questions as to the repercussions” (p. 391). The question, again, is “are you really in earnest about getting well”? If so, God is Thee Healer. He is well aware that we have been stuck our cycle of sin, hurt and destructive behaviors, just as Jesus identified in that man. It is up to us as to whether we decide to take the leap of faith, allow Him to heal us, and to pick up our mats and proclaim what He has done in our lives! Later in the chapter, Jesus warned the man that if he does not make the fundamental change in his life and turn from sin, that the repercussions will worsen. This also applies to our lives. If we remain in our turmoil, not only will we miss out on healing but also the pain will only deepen. Contemplation is a very painful process, but absolutely foundational to not only making it through life, but thriving in this life.

Reference

 

Thomas, J. C. & Sosin, L. (2011). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for the journey. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.