I noticed that she didn't have the usual sparkle in her eye, or the spring in her step. In fact, her demeanor was puny at best. For a puppy who usually runs down the hill to greet me, tail wagging all the way, Precious' current lack of enthusiasm clued me in: I knew a trip to the vet was necessary.
Following her appointment, I walked to the car, three different medications in hand. An ear infection warranted two of the prescriptions, while a skin irritation required the third. There wasn't a general pill that could be given to take care of both problems, but rather specific medications for each need. Otomax to be messaged into her ears to clear up the ear infection, as well as an oral antibiotic to rid the infection from her system. Hydroxyzine could be given up to three times a day to help with the itching caused by an allergic reaction.
Within 24-hours, Precious had visibly improved. Her eyes were clearer and she once again bounded down the hill to greet me. There was no doubt in my mind that the medications were working.
I was reminded that just like the vet knew the specific medications my dog needed, the Great Physician knows exactly what 'medicine' I need for each trial I face. When I'm discouraged that the article I labored over wasn't accepted, He gives me the prescription for encouragement, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (Psalm 42:6; KJV).
When the phone calls I make are met with insensitivity, I can meditate on His sensitivity as shared in Psalm 42:8, "Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." When those negative thoughts begin to bombard my mind, I can take His 'pill' for positive thinking, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
His prescription for worry is outlined in the book of 1 Peter, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). When I'm having an especially difficult time forgiving that friend or relative, He gently reminds me, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).
Just like I needed to take my dog to the vet to get the medicine that would make her well, I need to go to the Great Physician and receive the 'medicine' from His Word that will heal my soul. My Heavenly Father knows when I'm in need of a prescription. He's well-acquainted with every 'sickness,' and He knows the exact 'medicine' I need for my soul.
If you're under the weather today, won't you schedule an appointment with the Great Physician and let His Word apply healing balm to your soul? There's never a wait, and His prescriptions never fail!
