Phantom Pain
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11-12 (NIV)
A long time ago, I had a dog named Fred. He was a mutt but deeply loved. He injured his eye and I had to put drops in twice daily. He didn’t like the drops so after each application, he received treats. I would always ask, “Freddy, how’s your little eye?” and he would close his eye, sit and wait for the medicine. His eye healed nicely but he became accustomed to the treats. After a several weeks, I asked him the same question and he closed the wrong eye. He had a semi-good memory, and I had the best laugh. Lawrence Wilson (All God’s Creatures) shares a similar experience with his dog, Streak.
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Streak was a hound dog of uncertain lineage who liked to run after rabbits, squirrels, and pretty much anything else that moved. The lovable mutt was a fine family pet, but he could not abide the traffic on our residential street. If ever he slipped out the door unnoticed, he’d be sure to chase something.
One day Streak pushed his luck too far. While attempting to detain a Buick Electra, he got tangled up with the rear tire and injured a hind leg. A trip to the vet resulted in a splint, which he wore grudgingly. Even after the brace was removed, the limb remained tender, and the poor pup favored it for weeks.
Fortunately, the leg did heal completely. But Streak had a long memory. Long after he’d returned to his old ways, chasing any living creature out of our yard, he continued to be sensitive about the injury. The mere mention of it provoked a hostile reaction. All we had to say was, “Streak, how’s your leg?” and the old boy would lower his head, growl menacingly, and hobble into the other room as if freshly wounded.
As a kid, I thought that was humorous. As an adult, I know too well the pain caused by old wounds, even years after they’ve healed. The mere thought of my mistakes, indiscretions, and outright sins makes me cringe in shame and regret. Knowing this, the enemy takes every opportunity to ask, Larry, how’s the leg? In an instant, I’m transported back to a place of guilt.
That need never be. Jesus has forgiven my sin. He has healed the wound. The shame I feel is phantom pain. It exists in my mind only, not in reality. Thank God for the healing power of forgiveness.
Gracious Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness, mercy and grace. We are so needy, and we don’t even know it at times. Please shine Your light of Love into our hearts. AMEN.