What is inner healing, and is it biblical?

Response

“Inner healing” refers to an effort to liberate individuals from the adverse emotional impacts of traumatic experiences. This practice has gained popularity within the Christian community recently (refer to our article on Sozo Prayer). Practitioners of Christian inner healing employ various methods also found in mysticism, such as “prayer journeys,” which prompt individuals to recollect past painful events and envision Jesus being present with them during those moments.

There are several potential risks associated with visualization techniques and mystical New Age practices. Three of the most notable dangers include a) the negative effects of dwelling extensively on events that trigger pain or resentment, b) the risk of forming our perception of God based on a mental image rather than the truth of His nature as revealed in Scripture, and c) exposing our minds to potential demonic influence.

While God does desire to release us from the negative emotions stemming from past hurtful experiences, He does not require visualization techniques or prolonged focus on the past to achieve this. In reality, the Bible clearly states that the Christian journey involves the death of our former selves and “walking in newness of life” “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”, (Romans 6:4), and this new life is characterized by thoughts centered on the Savior who redeemed us, rather than dwelling on the sinful nature that was crucified with Christ. As we remain in Him “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”, (John 15:5), He renews our hearts and brings healing. However, theThe key is to focus on the Lord, not on ourselves.

Objective truth revolves around the significant doctrines of the faith and their relevance to life: the sovereignty of God, the high priestly intercession of Christ, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal glory. Understanding these profound truths, centering our thoughts on them, and reflecting on them in our minds will empower us to think from truth in all of life’s trials, and our faith will be robust and vibrant. Reasoning based on what we feel about ourselves—rather than what we know about God—is the certain path to spiritual defeat.

That being said, it is not incorrect to process emotions. God designed us as emotional beings, and if we attempt to suppress those aspects of ourselves to avoid reliving painful moments, we can turn into a volcano on the verge of eruption. The Lord recognizes that emotional pain is a part of life—He created us! The most effective way to achieve genuine inner healing is to be truthful with yourself about your emotions, and then turn to God with those emotions, seeking guidance. His Word will provide the answers you seek. The Bible is supernatural and marvelous and brings authentic inner healing. And even if there is no specific question in your mind—just a negative emotion—the solution is still to read the Word, because His Word is His Voice, and His voice possesses potent creative, healing power.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us cast off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).