What is inner healing, and is it biblical?

Quick answer

"Inner healing" is intended to help people find freedom from the emotional aftermath of traumatic experiences. True "inner healing" comes from God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Inner healing is the process of inviting God to heal emotional wounds and restore wholeness through prayer, forgiveness, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Inner healing replaces lies with God’s truth, leading to freedom and renewed purpose. God is our Comforter as we seek inner healing from traumatic experiences (Psalm 34:18; Matthew 10:29–31; Matthew 11:28–30; John 14:16–17). However, we must be careful and discerning as we explore inner healing practices and techniques. Certain practices are unbiblical and should be avoided. For example, visualization and dwelling on the past for too long can lead us to New Age practices or bitterness and hopelessness. While there is a season for mourning (Ecclesiastes 3:1–11), we should hold fast to the comforting truths of Scripture (Hebrews 4:12) and continually seek wisdom from the Lord (James 1:5) to heal us from past hurts or trauma. Although mourning our pasts, processing trauma, and going on the journey of inner healing may be an exceedingly painful process, we can be comforted to know that, one day, God will “wipe away every tear” from our eyes and we will experience eternal peace (Revelation 21:4).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” God is near to us as we journey through our painful pasts.

In our life, we will likely have many painful seasons. In order to experience healing from our past, we might need to set aside a time for mourning it, and that’s okay (Ecclesiastes 3:1–11).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Some inner healing techniques promote visualization. God can provide visual representations of things or experiences that help to clarify a situation (Acts 10:9–16; Matthew 1:20–25). However, any image we think of or think we have received from God must be vetted by His Word.

God cares for us deeply and views us as precious in His sight; He will continue to care for us as we walk through painful times in our lives (Matthew 10:29–31).

In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." We can bring our burdens of pain over our past to Jesus, knowing that He will be faithful to carry our heavy burdens with us.

The Holy Spirit is always with us as our Comforter (John 14:16–17). When we understand the incredible truths within the Bible and the promises God has given us, we can bring them to mind in the midst of difficult times.

As we walk through a time of mourning over our past, we should be immersing ourselves in Scripture and using it as our source of truth (Hebrews 4:12).

We can seek God and ask Him for wisdom and discernment to know the best course of action we can take in our inner healing journey (James 1:5).

Revelation 21:4 says, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." One day, we will be healed spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

It is good to seek God for healing of our entire beings, including our "inner selves." However, before seeking any sort of help, we need to make sure that the process, focus, and goals are rooted in God's Word. Inner healing requires being honest with ourselves about our feelings and personal experiences and then taking those things to God, seeking His answers and healing. For some of us, we may arrive at a place of inner healing and freedom through studying God's Word and listening to His voice. For others of us, it will be beneficial and even necessary to seek help through a professional counselor. No matter what path we choose to walk in our journey of inner healing, we can bring all our thoughts and feelings to God, knowing that He is “near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

UNDERSTAND

Inner healing seeks God’s restoration for emotional wounds.

Inner healing must be grounded in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit.

God offers comfort and ultimate healing.

REFLECT

How have you experienced God’s comfort and healing during a season of emotional pain or trauma?

In what areas of your life do you need to invite God to replace lies with His truth?

How can you ensure your approach to inner healing is rooted in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit?

ENGAGE

How can we support one another in seeking God’s healing for emotional wounds without turning to unbiblical practices?

What role does Scripture play in helping us process trauma and find freedom from emotional pain?

How does our understanding of God as a Comforter shape the way we approach inner healing as a community?