Introduction

Good morning, family! Today, we are going to delve into a message from the Book of Jeremiah - a message that speaks to us about healing, hope, and the consequences of neglecting God's provision.

In Jeremiah 8:22, we find a poignant question asked,

"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?"

This passage captures the heart of God as He looks upon His people in need of healing and restoration, and it serves as a call for us to turn to the only true source of healing – Jesus Christ.

As John Newton once wrote, "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear." Indeed, Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate balm for our wounded souls, and we must not forget to continually apply it to our lives.

Let's take a moment to read the full Scripture passage from Jeremiah 8:18-22:

"My joy is gone; grief is upon me; my heart is sick within me. Behold, the cry of the daughter of my people from the length and breadth of the land: 'Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?' 'Why have they provoked me to anger with their carved images and with their foreign idols?' The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?"

Prayer

Please join me in prayer as we open our hearts to receive the message God has for us today:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that is alive and active, able to penetrate our hearts and bring healing to our souls. As we study the message of the balm in Gilead, open our eyes to see the areas in our lives where we need Your healing touch. Help us to recognize the consequences of neglecting Your provision and to hold onto the hope of a future balm found only in Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Absence

Gilead, a region known for its healing balm, represents the presence of God's healing power and provision ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO