The Balm of Gilead

 by Danna Shirley

Balm: an aromatic preparation, such as a healing ointment, applied to a wound. It is more like a liquid resin and flows from certain trees of its own accord to dissolve hardness or to clear and close up wounds.

Balm of Gilead: a rare perfume used medicinally, that was mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and named for the region of Gilead where it was produced. The expression stems from the 1611 King James Version Bible and has come to signify a universal cure.

I have found myself praying for the Balm of Gilead to flow down over people who are in pain. These hurts can be mental, emotional, physical, relational; only God knows our wounds and how to comfort them, to soothe and comfort and coat their agonizing distress with healing ointment.