Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is something everyone seeks at some point in life. In times of suffering, pain, or brokenness, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and promises of restoration. God is described as the Great Healer who mends our wounds and brings wholeness to every aspect of our lives. Scripture reminds us of God’s ability to restore not just the body, but also the heart, soul, and mind.

Here are seven Bible verses that speak to God’s healing power and offer encouragement for those in need of restoration.

1. Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.”

God’s promise in this verse is one of restoration. No matter how deep the wound or how severe the brokenness, God assures His people that He will bring healing. This verse serves as a reminder that nothing is too far gone for God to repair. His desire is to bring health and wholeness to His children, both physically and spiritually.

2. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

While physical healing is important, God also tends to the brokenness in our hearts. When we feel crushed by life’s circumstances or overwhelmed by grief, He is near, offering comfort and healing. He binds up the wounds that no one else can see, restoring our inner peace.

3. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

God invites His people to seek healing through prayer and the support of the community of believers. The act of calling on others to pray in faith demonstrates a trust in God’s ability to heal. This scripture reassures us that God hears and responds to prayers offered in faith.

4. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Through Christ’s suffering and death, spiritual healing is made possible for all. His wounds bring us salvation, and in that salvation, we find the ultimate healing for our souls. This verse serves as a reminder of the eternal healing that comes through Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'”

God reveals Himself as “Jehovah Rapha,” meaning “the Lord who heals.” This verse underscores God’s power and desire to bring healing to His people. It is a reminder that God not only heals, but He also protects and preserves His people when they walk in obedience to His word.

6. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

True healing is found in coming to Him. When life’s burdens become overwhelming, Jesus offers rest and restoration for the soul. His gentleness and compassion bring peace and relief to those who are weary, making Him the source of ultimate healing for our emotional and spiritual struggles.

7. 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are offered new life, free from the bondage of sin. The healing referred to here is both spiritual and physical, pointing to the completeness of the restoration that Jesus offers.

Conclusion

Healing is a multifaceted process that touches every aspect of our being—our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. These verses remind us of God’s deep care and His promise to heal us in every way. Whether we are seeking relief from physical illness, emotional pain, or spiritual brokenness, the Bible assures us that God is the Great Healer, and His power is available to those who seek Him.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Hearing the voice of God is a central theme throughout Scripture. From the gentle whisper to the thunderous proclamation, God’s voice guides, comforts, and instructs His people. Understanding how to hear His voice is crucial for anyone seeking to follow His will. Here are seven Bible verses that highlight the importance of hearing and recognizing God’s voice.

1. John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of sheep and a shepherd to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers. Just as sheep recognize and respond to the voice of their shepherd, believers are called to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus. Hearing God’s voice is not just about recognition, but also about obedience. When we truly hear Him, we follow where He leads.

2. 1 Kings 19:11-12 – “And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”

God’s voice is not always found in the loud and dramatic. Instead, He often speaks in a “low whisper” or “still small voice.” Be still and quiet your hearts, creating space to hear the subtle yet profound voice of God. It teaches us that God often communicates in ways that require us to listen carefully and attentively.

3. Isaiah 30:21 – “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

God provides guidance, even in the midst of uncertainty. As we navigate life’s decisions, God’s voice directs us, showing us the right path. This promise of divine guidance encourages us to trust that God will speak to us when we need direction, leading us on the path He has set before us.

4. Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

In the busyness and noise of life, it can be challenging to discern God’s voice. However, by intentionally being still and acknowledging His sovereignty, we create an environment where we are more likely to hear Him speak. Stillness allows us to focus on God and tune in to His voice.

5. Hebrews 3:7-8 – “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.’”

Hearing God’s voice requires not only listening but also being willing to act on what we hear. A hardened heart can prevent us from fully receiving God’s message and guidance. This verse calls us to be open and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

6. Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

We are encouraged to seek God actively, knowing that He desires to reveal deep and profound truths to us. It emphasizes the relational aspect of hearing God’s voice, where we engage in dialogue with Him, confident that He will respond.

7. Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and speaking. The invitation is clear: if we hear His voice and open the door, He will come in and fellowship with us. This verse highlights the personal and relational aspect of God’s communication, emphasizing that hearing His voice leads to deeper communion with Him.

Conclusion

Hearing the voice of God is a profound and essential part of the Christian life. These verses remind us that God speaks in various ways—sometimes in a whisper, sometimes in guidance, and always with a heart of love. To hear His voice, we must cultivate stillness, maintain a receptive heart, and be willing to respond in faith. As we do, we draw closer to God, following His lead and growing in our relationship with Him.

Don't Expect Help from Egypt

1 This is the Lord's message for his rebellious people:

“You follow your own plans

instead of mine;

you make treaties

without asking me,

and you keep on sinning.

2 You trust Egypt for protection.

So you refuse my advice

and send messengers to Egypt

to beg their king for help.

3 “You will be disappointed,

completely disgraced

for trusting Egypt.

4 The king's power reaches

from the city of Zoan

as far south as Hanes.

5 But Egypt can't protect you,

and to trust that nation

is useless and foolish.”

6 This is a message

about the animals

of the Southern Desert:

“You people carry treasures

on donkeys and camels.

You travel to a feeble nation

through a troublesome desert

filled with lions

and flying fiery dragons.

7 Egypt can't help you!

That's why I call that nation

a helpless monster.”

Israel Refuses To Listen

8 The Lord told me to write down his message for his people, so that it would be there forever. 9 They have turned against the Lord and can't be trusted. They have refused his teaching 10 and have said to his messengers and prophets:

Don't tell us what God has shown you and don't preach the truth. Just say what we want to hear, even if it's false. 11 Stop telling us what God has said! We don't want to hear any more about the holy One of Israel.

12 Now this is the answer

of the holy One of Israel:

“You rejected my message,

and you trust in violence

and lies.

13 This sin is like a crack

that makes a high wall

quickly crumble 14 and shatter

like a crushed bowl.

There's not a piece left

big enough to carry hot coals

or to dip out water.”

Trust the Lord

15 The holy Lord God of Israel

had told all of you,

“I will keep you safe

if you turn back to me

and calm down.

I will make you strong

if you quietly trust me.”

Then you stubbornly 16 said,

“No! We will safely escape

on speedy horses.”

But those who chase you

will be even faster.

17 As few as five of them,

or even one, will be enough

to chase a thousand of you.

Finally, all that will be left

will be a few survivors

as lonely as a flag pole

on a barren hill.

The Lord Will Show Mercy

18 The Lord God is waiting

to show how kind he is

and to have pity on you.

The Lord always does right;

he blesses those who trust him.

Hearing the Voice of God: 7 Bible Verses That Guide Us

19 People of Jerusalem, you don't need to cry anymore. The Lord is kind, and as soon as he hears your cries for help, he will come. 20 The Lord has given you trouble and sorrow as your food and drink. But now you will again see the Lord, your teacher, and he will guide you. 21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” 22 Then you will treat your idols of silver and gold like garbage; you will throw them away like filthy rags.

23 The Lord will send rain to water the seeds you have planted—your fields will produce more crops than you need, and your cattle will graze in open pastures. 24 Even the oxen and donkeys that plow your fields will be fed the finest grain.

25 On that day people will be slaughtered and towers destroyed, but streams of water will flow from high hills and towering mountains. 26 Then the Lord will bandage his people's injuries and heal the wounds he has caused. The moon will shine as bright as the sun, and the sun will shine seven times brighter than usual. It will be like the light of seven days all at once.

Assyria Will Be Punished

27 The Lord is coming

from far away

with his fiery anger

and thick clouds of smoke.

His angry words flame up

like a destructive fire;

28 he breathes out a flood

that comes up to the neck.

He sifts the nations

and destroys them.

Then he puts a bridle

in every foreigner's mouth

and leads them to doom.

29 The Lord's people will sing as they do when they celebrate a religious festival at night. The Lord is Israel's mighty rock, and his people will be as happy as they are when they follow the sound of flutes to the mountain where he is worshiped.

30 The Lord will get furious. His fearsome voice will be heard, his arm will be seen ready to strike, and his anger will be like a destructive fire, followed by thunderstorms and hailstones. 31 When the Assyrians hear the Lord's voice and see him striking with his iron rod, they will be terrified. 32 He will attack them in battle, and each time he strikes them, it will be to the music of tambourines and harps.

33 Long ago the Lord got a place ready for burning the body of the dead king. The place for the fire is deep and wide, the wood is piled high, and the Lord will start the fire by breathing out flaming sulfur.

1 Wo to the rebellious children, sayth the Lord, that take counsell, but not of me, and couer with a couering, but not by my spirit, that they may lay sinne vpon sinne: 2 Which walke forth to goe downe into Egypt (and haue not asked at my mouth) to strengthen them selues with the strength of Pharaoh, and trust in the shadowe of Egypt. 3 But the strength of Pharaoh shalbe your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. 4 For his princes were at Zoan, and his Ambassadours came vnto Hanes. 5 They shalbe all ashamed of the people that cannot profite them, nor helpe nor doe them good, but shalbe a shame and also a reproche. 6 The burden of the beasts of the South, in a land of trouble and anguish, from whence shall come the yong and olde lyon, the viper and fierie flying serpent against them that shall beare their riches vpon the shoulders of the coltes, and their treasures vpon the bounches of the camels, to a people that cannot profite. 7 For the Egyptians are vanitie, and they shall helpe in vaine. Therefore haue I cried vnto her, Their strength is to sit still. 8 Now go, and write it before them in a table, and note it in a booke that it may be for the last day for euer and euer: 9 That it is a rebellious people, lying children, and children that would not heare the law of the Lord. 10 Which say vnto the Seers, See not: and to the Prophets, Prophecie not vnto vs right things: but speake flattering things vnto vs: prophecie errours. 11 Depart out of the way: go aside out of the path: cause the holy one of Israel to cease from vs. 12 Therefoe thus saith the holy one of Israel, Because you haue cast off this worde, and trust in violence, and wickednes, and stay thereupon, 13 Therefore this iniquitie shalbe vnto you as a breach that falleth, or a swelling in an hie wall, whose breaking commeth suddenly in a moment. 14 And the breaking thereof is like the breaking of a potters pot, which is broken without pitie, and in the breaking thereof is not found a sheard to take fire out of the hearth, or to take water out of the pit. 15 For thus sayd the Lord God, the Holy one of Israel, In rest and quietnes shall ye be saued: in quietnes and in confidence shall be your strength, but ye would not. 16 For ye haue sayd, No, but we wil flee away vpon horses. Therefore shall ye flee. We will ride vpon the swiftest. Therefore shall your persecuters be swifter. 17 A thousand as one shall flee at the rebuke of one: at the rebuke of fiue shall ye flee, till ye be left as a ship maste vpon the top of a mountaine, and as a beaken vpon an hill. 18 Yet therefore will the Lord waite, that he may haue mercy vpon you, and therefore wil he be exalted, that hee may haue compassion vpon you: for the Lord is the God of iudgement. Blessed are all they that waite for him. 19 Surely a people shall dwell in Zion, and in Ierusalem: thou shalt weepe no more: he wil certainly haue mercy vpon thee at the voyce of thy crye: when he heareth thee, he wil answere thee. 20 And when the Lord hath giuen you the bread of aduersitie, and the water of affliction, thy raine shalbe no more kept backe, but thine eyes shall see thy raine. 21 And thine eares shall heare a worde behind thee, saying, This is the way, walke ye in it, when thou turnest to the right hand, and when thou turnest to the left. 22 And ye shall pollute the couering of the images of siluer, and the riche ornament of thine images of golde, and cast them away as a menstruous cloth, and thou shalt say vnto it, Get thee hence. 23 Then shall hee giue raine vnto thy seede, when thou shalt sowe the ground, and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shalbe fat and as oyle: in that day shall thy cattell be fed in large pastures. 24 The oxen also and the yong asses, that till the ground, shall eate cleane prouender, which is winowed with the shoouel and with the fanne. 25 And vpon euery hie mountaine, and vpon euery hie hill shall there be riuers and streames of waters, in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers shall fall. 26 Moreouer, the light of the moone shall be as the light of the sunne, and the light of the sunne shalbe seuen folde, and like the light of seuen dayes in the day that the Lord shall binde vp the breach of his people, and heale the stroke of their wound. 27 Beholde, the Name of the Lord commeth from farre, his face is burning, and the burden thereof is heauy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a deuouring fire. 28 And his spirit is as a riuer that ouerfloweth vp to the necke: it deuideth asunder, to fanne the nations with the fanne of vanitie, and there shall be a bridle to cause them to erre in the chawes of the people. 29 But there shall be a song vnto you as in the night, when solemne feast is kept: and gladnes of heart, as he that commeth with a pipe to goe vnto the mount of the Lord, to the mightie one of Israel. 30 And the Lord shall cause his glorious voyce to be heard, and shall declare the lighting downe of his arme with the anger of his countenance, and flame of a deuouring fire, with scattering and tempest, and hailestones. 31 For with the voyce of the Lord shall Asshur be destroyed, which smote with the rod. 32 And in euery place that ye staffe shall passe, it shall cleaue fast, which the Lord shall lay vpon him with tabrets and harpes: and with battels, and lifting vp of hands shall he fight against it. 33 For Tophet is prepared of olde: it is euen prepared for the King: hee hath made it deepe and large: the burning thereof is fire and much wood: the breath of the Lord, like a riuer of brimstone, doeth kindle it.