Jeremiah 8:22 asks, "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?" This is an interesting question. Evidently Gilead was a center for an aromatic gum of supposed medicinal value. The word Gilead means "uncertain" and according to the two references, Jeremiah 8:22 and 46:11, the balm of Gilead could not heal the deep inner wounds of the soul and spirit.
The good news is that Christ can heal all wounds, whether small or great, shallow or deep. Jesus Christ is not the uncertain balm of Gilead. He is the sure balm of Heaven, provided at Mariah, "the place where Yahweh provides" (Genesis 22:8, 14). Isaiah 53:5 tells us that "with his stripes we are healed."
Men, most marriages break up because of inner wounds, the result of destructive words and attitudes. Some marriages break up because of physical violence caused by uncontrolled anger. Worldly marriage counseling is the uncertain balm of Gilead. It may smell good, but cannot heal the broken spirit. The true church knows by the experience of the new birth (John 3:16) that every marriage can be healed if both parties are willing to go to the cross of Christ and receive healing through His stripes.
We must embrace Christ's death, burial, and resurrection power to put to death our own self will, negative speech, and attitudes. We can then arise out of the grave and prison of our own ideas and lifestyle. It is only then that we will experience the true healing balm, healing us, as well as our wife and family.
Men, please join me in your prayers this that the destructive forces that are weakening the testimony of Christ and His church will be broken and destroyed. Pray with me that Christ's healing balm will heal our marriages and children.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell