There is so much suffering in the world just now. You wonder if it is just because we can see it all on the news, that it seems so much worse. Flooding, earthquakes, fighting, wars. Every part of the world is affected.

As a Christian, I yearn for everyone to know that they are loved by God, and that justice will one day prevail. Yet on the darker days of suffering and conflict, I can understand why people might lose hope. However, the Bible reveals a God of goodness and love, and in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we can see how suffering can bring possibilities of forgiveness and purpose, that can be transformative for our lives.

When people are questioning or in pain, I reflect on what resources God has given us for us to experience healing. Spiritually, we can listen attentively to people, to pray and to reflect biblical principles of confession, forgiveness and grace. We have doctors and nurses who can treat physical problems. We have psychiatrists and therapists who can support people experiencing psychological struggles, and we are thankful for all of these professions and individuals.

Having a holistic approach to healing seems like an integrated approach to trauma and suffering. Physical symptoms can cause psychological anguish. Spiritual dilemnas can result in physical distress. Mental health pressures can impair physical health. People have to be seen as a whole, to consider their entire history and being, to find relief and possibilities of healing.

In the midst of all this, discernment is so important. There are some practices we might question, or have a problem with. God gave us brains to think and instincts to help us make good decisions. Biblical principles and the wise advice from different experienced practitioners can also help. It can be tough to find an effective and integrated healing pathway.

At the Transform Trauma conference in Oxford earlier this month, I met people from all over the world, therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, researchers – all with a desire to help people be well. There were sessions on new trauma therapies, breath practices to promote regulation, creative practices to enable self expression and many voices challenging institutional injustice. Experienced experts  in this field such as Bessel van der Kolk and Gabor Mate challenge some pharmaceutical practices and suggest a variety of approaches to support those who have experienced trauma, violence and suffering.

Whether it is listening to veterans, or people with chronic health conditions, or sitting with whose trust has been broken, or who are struggling with addiction, I think integrated approaches of spiritual, psychological and physical are all needed to promote healing.

I think of the many examples of Jesus healing – whether the blind man at the side of the road, or touching the leper, or of his compassion for the woman who was bleeding. In Matthew 9:35 it says ‘Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.’

Jesus consistently taught and healed and loved, and tailored what He did for individual circumstances.  God shows that same abundant and healing  love to us, and then in turn gives us opportunities to pray for and to love others. In a broken and hurting world, what a wonderful calling, to form communities of encouragement, prayer and healing.

Bishop Morris Maddock said that Christian healing is ‘Jesus meeting people at their point of need’, and it is so beautiful that He does this for each one of us. May that grace and healing touch bring a word of grace and rejuvenation which we all seek.

Gracious God, You are our Creator, we are made in your image, and are your beloved children. We seek to do what is good, but we often make mistakes and rebel, and get in a mess. For Jesus sake, forgive us, cleanse us and give us a new beginning. Help us to live well, to eat healthily, have a balance between exercise and rest, and choose to fill our souls with things that edify and inspire. When we are hurting or in pain, may we know your healing touch. Even when we are burdened with regrets and shame, help us find forgiveness and to forgive ourselves. Holy spirit bring health and healing to us, and give us courage to then bring your healing touch to others. May we receive restoration and rejuvenation, so that we can be channels of healing and peace. Even in our brokeness, may we trust that there are possibilities of health and wholness, and discover that out hope has been restored. In Jesus’name, Amen