He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
“Lisa. I need your help.” The urgency in my husband’s voice quickened my steps. As I turned the corner, I saw a large gash on the top of his head. When a compress did little to stop the bleeding, I realized my husband needed professional medical attention. Thankfully, after a speedy drive to the emergency department, a doctor was able to successfully close the wound.
Some wounds don’t heal on their own. They need to be closed, or “bound up,” for deep, lasting healing to take place. This is true for emotional and spiritual wounds as well. And in psalm 147, we’re pointed to the One who can bind and heal these wounds.
The psalm is a hymn of praise, which recounts God’s mighty acts of creation (vv. 4, 8-9, 15-18). But woven throughout the psalm are reminders that God’s powerful care for creation includes ongoing love and care for His people. It’s a power that sustains the broken hearted and wounded (v. 3), brings peace (v. 14), and guides in His truth (vv. 19-20).
When our hearts are wounded, Psalm 147 helps to assure us that God, who’s powerful enough to create and maintain the universe, also lovingly cares for us (v. 3). Although not all wounds will find full healing until Christ’s return (REVELATION 21:4), in every sorrow and difficulty we endure, we can take comfort, knowing that God, is powerfully at work.
1 Praise the Lord.[a]
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
6 The Lord sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
make music to our God on the harp.
INSIGHT
- What wounds in your life still need healing?
- How might knowing God is powerfully sustaining you encourage you as you wait for full healing?
Psalm 147:1–7 encourages God’s people to joyfully praise Him because He is both powerful and compassionate. The psalm highlights how God rebuilds Jerusalem, heals the brokenhearted, and cares for the humble, while also displaying His unmatched greatness—counting and naming the stars and possessing infinite understanding. At the same time, He provides food for animals and cares for those who depend on Him. This passage reminds us that God is worthy of praise not only for His strength and wisdom but also for His tender care and justice.
PRAYER
Creator God, I’m in awe of your power displayed in creation. Thank You that this same power is at work to heal my broken and wounded heart. Help me to rest in you today. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: PSALM 147:1-7 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: 2 CHRONICLES 10-12; JOHN 11:30-57
