He Heals and Restores
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ~ Psalm 147:1-3
There was a time in my life when I was completely broken. I was deeply wounded by disappointments, heartaches, and severed relationships. At one point, I specifically remember sitting alone, overwhelmed by the weight of it all, unsure how to move forward. It was in those moments of deep pain that I turned to God, and He picked me up and pulled me close to Him. Psalm 147 reminds us that God is in the business of restoration. He heals the brokenhearted, gathers the outcasts, and strengthens those who are weak. That is where and who I was.
I am so thankful that He didn’t leave me there. He walked by my side every step of the way to restoration. It wasn’t instant and sometimes it wasn’t even consistent, but He was and finally He brought me to solid and steady ground when I finally trusted Him with every area of my life.
I love how this Psalm begins with praise. It reminds us that before we focus on our problems, we should turn our eyes to the One who is bigger than all of them. There is power in praising God, especially when we don’t feel like it. Praise shifts our perspective from the weight of our burdens to the greatness of our God. He is the name above every other name in heaven and earth.
Through my journey I now understand that what comes out of my mouth matters. When I was hurting, it was easy to speak the problems and the people who helped the problems seem bigger. It was normal to complain, to question, even to doubt. But God’s Word calls us to praise instead of grumble. It’s not about ignoring our struggles but it is about shifting our focus to what is important and declaring truth of God’s love over the temporary circumstances. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” What we say, whether in moments of joy or pain, has the power to shape our outlook and the direction we walk. Either toward God and away from our problem or toward the struggles and away from our loving heavenly Father.
So, where do we start?
- Begin with praise. Even if it’s just to whispered “Thank You, Lord,” choose to lift your voice in gratitude. The more you praise, the more you realize how much you truly have to be thankful for.
- Watch your words. When you’re tempted to complain or speak doubt, pause and ask yourself, “Is this building my faith or tearing it down?” Instead of dwelling on the negative, speak life and truth over your situation.
- Trust in God’s restoration. If you feel broken or discouraged, remember that God is the healer of hearts. He is working, even when you can’t see it.
Today I want to encourage you to read Psalm 147 through and notice how it ends by reminding us that God’s Word runs swiftly (v. 15). When He speaks, things change. No matter what you are facing today, trust that God is moving. He is restoring, healing, and strengthening you. So lift your voice in praise, guard your words, and hold onto His promises. The One who created the stars and calls them by name is the same God who sees you, loves you, and will never leave you. Praise the Lord, for He is good!
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 147
1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God,
8 Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
9 He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry.
10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat.
15 He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;
17 He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His judgments, they have not known them.
Praise the Lord!
The Daily Dose 