My father, the Rev. Dr., was a Baptist minister, pastor, and denominational leader. I loved to hear him preach. He had a deep voice like James Earl Jones and was a natural-born storyteller. He could take one scripture and turn it into a 45-minute sermon. I loved him dearly. As a young girl, I would sneak into his room and watch him prepare his sermons. He would usually have four or five translations of the Bible, Strong’s Concordance, and a couple of notebooks strewn about. He would write and erase and talk and pace and pray. On Sunday, he would deliver his sermon in call and response fashion. Every now and then he would say, “I wish I had somebody.”
I used to wonder what he meant. As I got older, the meaning became clear. I wish I had somebody who understands the goodness of the Lord, the power of the Lord, the mercy, the grace, and the blessings of the Lord. I wish I had somebody who could join in testimony with me and share their story of triumph.
God is Jehovah Rapha, the one who heals (Exodus 15:26). The Bible says God can provide four different kinds of healing (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual). At some point, many of us have needed some healing. The Song of Solomon 16:12 tells us that the word of God heals all things. There are many scriptures that attest to God’s ability and desire to heal our physical bodies. Jeremiah 17:14 says, “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed.” Exodus 23:25 reminds us to worship the Lord and he will take away the sickness from among us. Jeremiah says, God will restore health (Jeremiah 30:17) and he will bring health and healing (Jeremiah 33:6). Finally, Psalms 41:3 tells us that, “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” God is also able to heal us emotionally. Psalm 34:18 lets us know that, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 147: 3 echoes that by saying, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” God has been my healer, Jehovah Rapha, many, many times. By his grace, I do not look like what I have been through. Amen! I wish I had somebody who could testify and share their story about God’s healing power.
God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. At some point, many of us have needed God’s provision. The Bible tells us that God provided for the Israelites for the 40 years they wandered in the wilderness; they lacked for nothing (Deuteronomy 2:7). Psalm 147:8 says, God “covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.” Additionally, God feeds the birds of the air who do not reap or sow, are we not more valuable than them (Matthew 6:26)? God knows everything, not some of the things, but all that we need. If we trust him, he will meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19). We must be sure to do as Psalm 37:4 says and delight ourselves in the Lord and he will give us the desires of our hearts. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him,” (1 Corinthians 2:9). God has been Jehovah Jireh and provided for me over and over and over again. I wish I had somebody who could testify and share their story about God’s provision.
God is Jehovah Shalom, our peace. In a world that is crowded with noise and distractions of all sorts, at some point, many of us have needed God’s peace. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that God will keep us in perfect peace. Colossians 3:15 reminds us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. We are told to cast all of our cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and not to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6) for the God of peace will be with us (Romans 15:33). Peace is one of the fruits of the spirit discussed in Galatians 5:22. One of my favorite passages in the Bible concerning peace is in John 14:27. During a gathering with the disciples, Jesus reassured them by saying, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” What a wonderful promise. No matter what, the Lord’s peace is always with us. God has been Jehovah Shalom, my peace, and calmed the waters for me when the tempest was raging. I wish I had somebody who could testify and share their story about God’s peace.
I can testify of God’s goodness and share my story of triumph. God has been good to me. He has healed me, provided for me, and been my peace. I am so thankful for God’s grace and mercy. Let me leave you with this thought from an unknown author. “May God be… Above you to bless you. Below you to support you. Before you to guide you. Behind you to protect you. Beside you to comfort you. And inside you to give you strength and joy.”
Oh, I wish I had somebody!