My Lord, my God, My Jehovah Rapha
From my poem – The Names of God
The Master who heals my ills and flaws
He provides for my body, mind, and soul.
His healing powers can make me whole.
Even when my body begins to fail
My Savior’s love will always prevail.
As we continue this study, I think it might be helpful to also look at the meaning of the name Jehovah. Let’s look at the word from the original Hebrew:
“The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.”
https://womanofnoblecharacter.com/jehovah-rapha/
I love how this definition fits in with our study and shows how God reveals himself to us. Each new name we look at reveals a little more about the true nature of God.
Healing
According to Strong’s Bible studies, the name Rapha means “to heal or to make complete.” The word Rapha appears 68 times in the Old Testament. Even though the term does not get mentioned in the New Testament, we see the multitude of healing miracles performed by Jesus during His life on earth. When we read through the verses which use the word, we find God heals both physical and emotional wounds. God’s healing is not limited to people either. We see how He also restores the lands and situations for His people.
[bctt tweet=”God can heal all things if we turn them over to Him in prayer.”]
What, in your life, needs healing today? Do you have a physical ailment that needs a touch of the Master? Or are your wounds deep inside where no one but Jesus can see them? God can heal all things if we turn them over to Him in prayer and believe in His anointing. Matthew 19:26 tells us: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” I find so much comfort in this verse.
Does God Hear Me?
But what happens when healing does not occur? Did we lack faith, or did God just chose not to heal us? The world views these times of unhealing as proof that God does not exist. But, those thoughts are far from the truth. God hears and answers every one of our prayers, all the time. Usually, when we feel like God is ignoring us, it is because we don’t like His answer not because He did not honor our request. Our God is not a genie in a bottle that gives us everything our heart desires. God wants us to give Him our hearts and to enter into a relationship. The last few verses in Roman 11 remind us that God knows everything, including what is best for us.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and I knowledge of God!
Romans 11:33-36
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
[bctt tweet=”God is not a genie in a bottle that gives us everything our heart desires. He wants our hearts and a relationship”]
How Does God Answer?
Sometimes God says no to our prayers for healing. God can and will use a time of illness to teach us or others something, like patience. Or maybe, through the sickness, God will direct your steps to a different path. When we trust God to do His will in our lives, the roadway will not always be smooth. Many people will fall away from their faith because God did not give them what they wanted. Often, our faith is tested most when God answers no. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:14, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Don’t give up. God still hears you and loves you. The reward awaits us in our heavenly home.
The hardest answer for me is when God says not now. I tend to be a go-getter makes things happen kind of gal, so when the Lord says wait, I cringe. I know the Lord is teaching me to wait on Him. But, God also sees into the future, and He knows the best timing for the healing to occur. Everything happens for the glory of God, and that might mean we have to wait.
[bctt tweet=”God hears and answers every one of our prayers.”]
Finally, some of God’s answers to our prayers for healing will be yes. Some cures might be miraculous healings for God’s glory. Or, you might wake up one morning and feel better. Either way, we must not be like the lepers in Luke 17. Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. Praise His holy name for being made whole again.
No matter the answer when you pray for healing 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. If you are struggling with a chronic illness or are trying to wait patiently on the Lord, here are some verses that might help you to continue to hope in the Lord:
Verses to Encourage You
Jeremiah 30:17 – I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD. He wants us healthy and happy.
Isaiah 53:3-4 – Surely he has taken up our grief and pain, and carried our sorrows. He carried our grief, sorrow and pain on Calvary.
Isaiah 40:18-29 – Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Job 6:10 – This would be my comfort; I would even exult in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One, my God.
Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Those who put their trust in the Lord will run and not get tired; they will walk and not fall behind.
Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
Psalm 30:5 – Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Blessings,
Yvonne – #blogger, #speaker, and #author
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
100% of the proceeds from sales of my book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, go to help the orphans at Orphan Relief Effort, Inc
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It is always inspiring to me when I talk with a Christian who is suffering but able to praise and thank God for what He is doing in their lives. They see His healing as spiritual as well as physical. I appreciate your reminder that thanksgiving should be expressed regardless of God’s answers to our prayers.
So many inspirational stories in the praises of those who suffer. God works through our pain to bring about His works. Our first words in all circumstances should be ones of thankfulness. Thanks Beth and God bless
God certainly takes care of us, inside and out. I like what you said: “Usually, when we feel like God is ignoring us, it is because we don’t like His answer…” It’s so much better to accept and thrive with His answer. I have a handful of “thorns in the flesh,” but they seldom prevent me from doing what I need to do. Even as I type, I have a slightly aching back, but God keeps that at bay, too. What I’m most amazed at is those times when I’m barely keeping my eyes open, but when Bible study starts, God keeps me awake and alert. That’s really important for the study leader! God is good and He definitely answers prayer.
I like your thoughts, lol. It is important for the study leader to stay awake. I have several thorns too and sometimes I really want God to take them away but I am trying to praise Him for them instead. As your blog said, the master artist has a plan for His beautiful painting and I need to accept His brushstrokes. God bless Stephen
Amen. He always hears us. He is always with us.
So true. Thanks Melissa and God bless
“The hardest answer for me is when God says not now.” Nobody likes to wait. Nobody likes not knowing the answers. Thanks for the reminder to trust Him.
Thanks Nancy. Waiting is the hardest part. God bless.
I love learning about God’s many names. And you are so right: God truly does answer all our prayers. Sometimes they’re not answered in what we think is our ideal time frame, but it’s always the right timing from God’s perspective.
Amen Jessica, God does always answers all our prayers, we just need to be aware that the answer is not always yes. God knows best so we must trust Him for His purpose and timing. God bless
Waiting is a hard one for me, too! If it’s a no, at least then I can move on. But with waiting, my hope remains and so does my impatience! Thank you for sharing this truth with us!
I can relate. I would almost rather get a no than a wait. Thanks and God bless Emily
Another great post, Yvonne. Love Jeremiah 30:17. And often remind others and myself how God’s healing extends to our completeness and wholeness. He created us body, soul, and spirit…why would we limit His healing to the body only?!
Thanks Karen. He wants to make us whole in His timing. We must allow God to complete the work He began in us. God bless
I am enjoying this series on the names of God. This one is timely for me as I am dealing with illness in my family on a number of fronts. God is truly a healer and His Will will always be done even when we don’t always understand it.
Amen. Praying for your family and God’s will to be done. Thanks and God bless
Excellent post! These truths about God, as revealed by his names, and worth reviewing and remembering frequently. Knowing WHO he is shapes our responses and our expectations!
So true Melinda. Knowing God helps us form our response to Him. God bless
Love this series on the names of God!
Thanks Ava
Very well written! I can especially attest that this comment you made is true: “Often, our faith is tested most when God answers no.” If every prayer I prayed were answered ‘yes,’ I don’t think I would grow in faith. I might grow in pride, but not faith. The ‘no’s and ‘wait’s are necessary for many reasons, but one I have found it does most for me is test my dependence on the Lord. I conclude that He is real and good regardless of what answer He gives me.
He is good, amen. So often, I think I act like a spoiled child when God responds with a no or a maybe. It saddens me when I realize how God has given me. We are blessed by His mercies. Thanks Marcie.
I love this: “the Hebrew word Havah meaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.’”
Thanks Nancy. We discover such great nuggets when we dig deeper into the Bible and research the information.