A couple of years ago an oral surgeon yanked out my wisdom teeth. The bottom two chompers were positioned directly on nerves, and the post- surgery pain was intense. A few weeks later, an infection brought the soreness back. After that, the doctor operated again to remove scar tissue from my jawbone. At that point, I was wondering, “How long, O Lord, until you restore me?” (see Psalm 6:2-3).

It took a long time, but Jesus ultimately patched me up. He did His part, but I didn’t think much about how to respond to His healing work in my life.

I should have taken a lesson from the guy in the New Testament who was indwelt by a bunch of evil spirits. After Jesus healed him and was about to leave town, “The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with Him” (Luke 8:38).

When I read that, it spoke to my heart. I pictured the man pleading to stay with Jesus, and I realized that healing should inspire a new longing for closeness with Him. Our hearts should echo the words of the psalmist, “My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You. . . . I cling to You” (Psalm 63:1,8).

Although the demon-possessed man wanted to hang on to his Healer, Jesus gave Him a different assignment. He said, “Go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). We too need to proclaim how Jesus has patched us up. It glorifies God and comforts family or friends who might have similar challenges.

Maybe Jesus has stitched up your psyche, bandaged your broken heart, or even taken care of your teeth! If so, consider your response. His healing touch can help us draw close to Him again, and sharing our stories will encourage others to do the same.