Walking Wounded

I

njuries and medical emergencies are par for the course at any Boy Scout camp.  This is especially true, however, at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.  Each summer thousands of young people from all over the United States and other parts of the world come to hike the rugged backcountry of New Mexico.  For the most part, the vast majority of the hikers challenging Philmont’s trails accomplish their mission successfully and without incident.  There are, however, a certain number of trekkers who encounter difficulties and mishaps that require medical attention.

These injuries generally fall into two distinct categories.  There are those injuries which prevent the camper from returning to the trail. These can vary in intensity from a severe sprain, to a pulled ligament or tendon, to a fracture.  Other medical conditions, such as sudden illness, can also cut the expedition short and land the hiker in the health lodge.  The other form of injury is not so severe.  These are generally twisted ankles, sprains, falls, and blisters.  While all of these require medical attention, they do not necessarily mean the hiker cannot return to the trail.

Upon arrival in base camp, those suffering from these minor conditions are examined and then given a bunk in health lodge tent city. They are observed for a few days and at first chance they are reunited with their crews.  While they are in base camp, these hikers are affectionately known as the “Walking Wounded.”  They are in base camp, waiting the opportunity to rejoin their crew.  All they need is some rest before hitting the trail once again.

There are times in our walk with God when the trail grows steep and rocks clutter the path.  We sometimes stumble and fall and on the way down we suffer some sort of set back that slows us down for a while.  This can come in the form of unexpected medical complications, a death of a close friend or loved one, the loss of a job, or the breaking of a solid friendship.  Whatever the circumstances, our forward progress is halted and we find it difficult if not impossible to continue.  It is not that we have no desire to rejoin the trail; we simply cannot go forward in our present condition.  We need to be examined and have our bumps, scrapes, and bruises attended to.  We have joined the ranks of the “Spiritual Walking Wounded.”

In Psalm 109:21-23, David describes what it is like to be among the ranks of those who have been wounded along life’s path.  Let’s take a look at what he has to say, “But you, O Sovereign LORD , deal well with me for your name's sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. “  In this Psalm, David enumerates the wounds that come from broken relationships and betrayal.  He understands full well the pain and the difficulties that life throws in our paths and he calls out to God for deliverance and justice.

We must first understand David’s condition.  He describes himself as wounded in heart.  Who among us hasn’t been here?  Who among us hasn’t had his/her heart broken or wounded very deeply?  We can all identify with David’s condition but can we all identify with David’s solution?  Simply put, David relies on the goodness of God’s love and asks God to deliver him for the sake of His name. 

David recognizes that God’s love is good and that as our father; He has our best interests at heart.   Nothing touches us that does not touch Him.  When we hurt, He feels our pain.  When our hearts are wounded, He understands, and when we “fade like the evening shadows” He gives us rest and renewed strength.

T

his calls for us to leave the trail for awhile.  It seems that our walk comes to a complete stand-still but this is the time God has placed us in safe keeping until our wounds are healed.  Only those willing to cry out to God in their pain can ever know the joy that comes from allowing God to care for them and mend their wounds.   Only those who are willing to admit their pain, their sorrow, or their fear can ever hope to experience the loving touch of the Great Physician.  Have you joined the ranks of the Walking Wounded today?