What is the role of stress& unforgiveness when it comes to healing?
What does YHWH say about it?
This is a tough one ladies - and it is so because of the broad spectrum of events, people, circumstance, jobs, relationships and illnesses that abound in the world. So please know that as you read through this - it is simply a starting point - take all things to YHWH because He is our ultimate authority, our perfect guide, counselor and comforter; and only He knows exactly what is just right for each person, what we each need to do individually - because only He knows ours hearts perfectly.
The first thing we will look at is the problem (in a general way), then we will look at what YHWH has to say about it in His written Word.
Studies have been done that have shown that those who have in the past, or are presently, enduring abnormal amounts of ongoing stress in life have a higher tendency to develop diseases such as RA, Lupus, Diabetes and more (auto-immune diseases) And as discussed on the previous page, studies have also been done showing that faith, hope, joy and a positive outlook can greatly affect the healing process in a positive way.
Therefore - it stands to reason, and the studies are there and can be researched online, that carrying or enduring abnormal stress and/or unforgiveness, and/or a negative outlook would cause healing to be affected in a negative way.
So lets look at something very important - its called 'stuffing' and most of us are familiar with that term because we have done it. Women are expert 'stuffers'. What I mean, in case you are not familiar with it, is that in general (there are exceptions of course) since women are taught that we are supposed to be gentle, quiet, nice, forgiving, sweet and obedient - we (women as a whole) - tend to supress our anger. There is nothing wrong with sweetness, and having a gentle spirit - in fact we are told that we all (both women 'and' men) should. (Click here for a video that speaks is this very truth)
But what ends up happening (again, I am speaking in 'very' general terms and there are many exceptions considering the number of people in the world) is that it is generally accepted for men to express their anger, their frustration and more. 'Most' men don't hold back - somehow and some way they find a way to 'release' stress.
Now of course this can be a 'very' damaging thing in selfish, unbalanced, or abusive situations (to name but a few), so don't get me wrong here I am not advocating releasing all anger whenever, on whomever, for whatever reason, but what I am saying is that when done in a balanced and reasonable way that does not harm others or self, can relieve stress.
Women on the other hand - are taught in general - to keep it in, to not rock the boat, to not get angry, to always speak and beahve in a soft and rather submissive way. So very often - women 'stuff' their anger, pain, frustrations and outrage. They don't show it, they don't express it and they don't deal with it.
As women, since so often we have been taught that we are not to be angry, we 'falsely come to believe that if we 'do' get angry, YHWH will become angry with us, will turn away from us, not want us, be disappointed in us - and more.
Not only does this affect a person's health in a negative way, as 'stress is a 'killer' as we all know, but it also prevents us from being 'real' with YAHUWAH - the one who loves us more than any other!
Harboring or 'stuffing' stress, unforgiveness, depression and other negative emotions can absolutly cause illness.
To view video teachings on the importance of Stress and unforgiveness in relation to illness and healing click the following link:
YAH's Word for Healing
It is very important to find ways to relieve stress in a way that is not harmful to self, others or our relationship with YHWH; and there are a multitude of ways to do it: from eliminating uneccesary or fruitless (mundane and draining activity that is not necessary) activity, to finding fruitful and enjoyable activity, learn to say 'no', learn to say 'yes', get more sleep, get up and be more active, sports, dance, and just learn to breathe.
That was one of the things I needed to learn to do - just breathe. Since childhood and on into adulthood through abuse - I learned how to take small, shallow breaths and trained my ears to hear keenly. As an adult trusting in and learning YHWH's ways and through His loving and healing guidance and touch - I heard over and over again from doctors to physical therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors - "Cheryl, you stopped breathing again. Just breathe". Something that at one time was a necessity became, over the years, a way of life, a physical habit, a natural thing to do. These days I recognise the seriously precious breath of life and that when we breathe, every breath, is literlly taking in the breath of life - the gift of life through breathing, that YHWH gave us at the time of creation and gives to each of us each day.
Everyday we take, on average, 18,000 breaths. That's 18,000 opportunities the breath in the breath of life and thank YHWH for them. Think about that - 18,000 opportunities to acknolwedge how much YHWH loves us! That's amazing!!
Feeling the oxygen going into my lungs in deep, long, appreciative breaths, has become a very precious thing for me. And every morning, and evening, when I wake up and when I go to sleep - I now purposefully take in those long deep breaths.
Additionally - just being honest with YHWH is of supreme value. If we are angry, or crushed, or exhausted and we go to YHWH in prayer 'pretending' we are not in fear of Him becomming angry or disappointed in us - does He not know that we are being false with Him?
Very often 1 Kephah 5:7 is mis-understood. We are told to cast our cares and worries upon Him because He cares for us. Unfortunately - people are often not honest with YHWH in the process. We think we are supposed to 'give it to Him' and then forget about it - whatever 'it' is. But so often the concern or stress remains in our hearts and minds and the 'stuffing' resumes.
It is highly important to trust YHWH and realize He 'does' understand stress, heartache, and pressure. But we also must do our part and that means finding ways to help relieve the stress that we can relieve.
As an example - if we are carrying unforgiveness in our hearts, and we are filled with anger, bitterness or hatred - it effects all of our body functions. The mind, body and Spirit are connected. So if we have these things in us and then expect YHWH to heal us without doing our part - which is to forgive, or turn the 'judgement' over to YHWH - then what are we saying?
We are saying YHWH - I want healing but I don't want to do my part. This subject is wide and deep and there are many details to each persons life and circumstance, reducing stress and learning forgiveness is tough at times, very tough, and can take time. But it is worth it and it is the right thing. And if forgiveness is not possible because the person has not asked for it - and we don't know how - then that is when we can say,
"YHWH, the person that hurt me is gone (or doesn't care) and I honestly don't knwo HOW to forgive them. So Father I leave it in your hands. You know what happened, you know my pain, and I trust your judgement better than my own. So Father if you choose to forgive the person, then I accept that and I will forgive, if you choose not to Father than is also in your hands. As for me - I have placed it in your hands and ask that you help me to leave it there and not continue with anger and bitterness in my heart. Please help me"
This is the honestly that YHWH seeks from us - not 'stuffing'.
HE LOVES YOU! He desires that we are REAL with Him. He will show you what you need to do or not do, He will help you, - be real with Him - He is a 'loving' Father.
Now, let's look at what YHWH's Word says.....
ChazUW YAHUW 22:1-2
(Revelation through YAHUW)
He showed me a river of The Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of YAHUWAH Almighty and of YAHUWAH The Lamb. In the middle of its main street, on this side of the river and on the other side was the Tree of Life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding a fruit for every month. The leaves of the tree were for the health of His People (Fruits of the RUWach [spirit])
Througout scripture we read over and over again about the Living Water and Healing. And throughout scripture we also read about stress, unforgiveness and how important it is for us to get a grip on both. We cannot control everything arounds us, or all the people who affect our lives or are in our lives that cause stress or harm - but we most certainly can learn how to eliminate and/or reduce some of it and every bit helps.
(IN PROCESS -THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE)