“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV)

If I were rich, I’d …

Have you ever played that game?

Well, if I were rich I know exactly what I would do. I’d go for a massage every single week. I love them!

When I do get to experience that rare luxury, I walk in expectantly. I know the massage therapist will find knots and kinks I didn't know I had. She’ll pause over that hurting spot and work on it until I feel relief. She can make my back — aching from a hike or even bending over to pick up a sock — feel strong again.

Most of all, a massage makes me feel nurtured and well.

There was a time when I hurt inside. I was reminded of that recently when I stumbled across an old friend from my school days. She invited me to join her and her husband at dinner. Later that night, we sat around the table enjoying enchiladas and old memories. At one point, she told her husband a story about the angry young girl she remembered from middle school.

It felt odd. Like she was talking about someone else.

And she was.

As I drove home, I couldn't help but think about the Master's touch on my life.

I don’t need to play a game of “If I were rich,” because I am rich. I am the recipient of the “incomparable riches of his grace” Paul talked about in Ephesians 2:6-7. God’s love worked out the knots and kinks of anger that used to live inside of me.

He made me whole, both spiritually and emotionally.

Rather than being bound by my past, His healing touch led me to show compassion for others hurting in the same way.

It set me free to tell others how His touch soothed the rough edges of my heart. It set me free to celebrate how He worked out the knots of unforgiveness and helped me to stand strong for the first time.

Do you need the Master's touch today? His faithful love nurtures us and makes us well.

I pray you invite Him in to those hurting places and allow His unfailing love to gently touch and heal you. God is waiting to nurture you, simply because you are His.

If you’ve been made whole, you don’t have to play the “If I were rich” game ever again, for you are rich beyond measure. Why don’t you take a moment and tell someone how rich you are — all because of the Master’s touch.

Heavenly Father, if I’ve taken Your healing touch for granted, forgive me. I am rich because of Your mercy. I am blessed because of Your touch, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

***

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Ephesians 2:4-5, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

Suzie Eller’s book, The Mended Heart: God’s Healing for Your Broken Places, is a gentle resource to help your heart heal.

CONNECT:

Join Suzie on her blog to download a free chapter of The Mended Heart.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

Riches aren’t defined by temporary reward, but by the priceless treasures that can never be stolen. They are not defined by what you have but what you are becoming because of Him.

Ask God to show you one person who needs His healing touch. Pray for an opportunity to share your story with them.

© 2017 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.