In Psalms, chapter one hundred and three, verse three, the fall of Adam into sin led the human race into the universal experience of sin, sickness, and death. In contrast, the psalmist lists God’s blessings for His people: forgiveness of our sins, healing for our diseases, and the gifts of redemption and eternal life. Forgiveness is the first and most important gift we can receive from God. Through it, we are restored to God and redeemed from destruction, as in verse four. Healing of diseases that come to us because of sin and Satan is likewise part of the salvation that God makes available to His people.
James five, verse sixteen recognizes that sickness may be due to sin. Therefore, whenever sickness occurs, one should examine oneself before the Lord in prayer to determine if the ailment is due to personal sin. The word “if” makes it possible that sickness may not always result from personal sin. This verse gives us an important reason why healing is often lacking in the Christian community. Sin confessed to others and consistently prayed for them to God to open the way. Sin in the church hinders believers’ prayers and blocks God’s healing power from being manifested in the congregation.
The theme verse under The Benefits of the Lord depicts that when a believer blesses the Lord with their mouth and desires Him with their hearts, He has the opportunity to change the circumstances that they may have in their lives. The blessing of the Lord confessed by His people will bring in His presence. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” as in Psalms forty-six, verse one. At the same time, God will heal and forgive those who call out to the Lord, who has a forgiving heart.