From time to time, people need help getting out of the tailspin we can go into after a scary medical diagnosis. The world has a backward view about health and wholeness; when we receive a bad report from the doctor, religious thinking kicks in and we beg God to heal us. There’s nothing wrong with praying, as long as we have the correct perspective on it. Compared to the Old-Testament prayers in which the people begged God to do something, New-Testament prayer acknowledges that God has already provided healing, and thanks Him for it.

When fear pops us, we can give thanks in the midst of the situation. We don’t give thanks for what’s happening, but in spite of it. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). This is a commandment, not a suggestion.

“Rejoice” is defined as to be glad at heart because of a triumph. This triumph is one over sickness, ill health, and death. Jesus obtained it for us through His death on the cross and resurrection. When we fully believe this, we share in the same victory. 

Rejoicing over something is having joy in the knowledge that it has already occurred. Unlike happiness, which is based on a momentary situation, joy comes from what we know. Our healing has already taken place, regardless of what it may look or feel like at the moment. Choosing to rejoice because of this, and refusing to let our physical senses fool us, puts us in a strong position. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17, 18).

A thankful heart puts us in the right frame of mind to approach God and come into His presence. It stirs up the joy in us and lightens our spirits. Our healing is cause for celebration and thanksgiving in our prayer lives. “Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

God has done His part by making healing and wholeness available to us; our part is to take possession of it by faith. We do this by believing that strength and vitality are His will for us. Jesus chose to undergo a severe beating before being nailed to the cross to fulfill God’s prophecy. “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5, NLT). There’s nothing wrong with seeing a doctor when we’re sick, as long as we remember who the original source of healing is.

Our prayers of faith bring healing from the heavenly realm to the physical realm. As God’s beloved children, we can enjoy perfect health; we have the authority to open our mouth and speak it into being. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16, NLT). Never again will we need to pray for healing when we realize it’s already ours.