On Wedesday I will be giving a devotion at a local Bible school about Yahweh (Jehovah) Rapha – The LORD who heals.  God assigns this name to Himself after healing the bitter waters at Marah in Exodus 15.  He took a desperate physical situation and mercifully provided a solution.  Unfortunately, the place is remembered for Israel’s continued bitterness and grumbling instead of God’s healing power.
As I have been mulling over this passage and our current illness situation I thought I would write another song.  When we face hardship in life, do we want to be remembered for our grumbling, or God’s amazing love?  The lyrics are below in case you are interested.

[VERSE 1]
Desert wind carried them on, bitter days pressing in
Thirst grew sharp in their bones, Marah rose harsh again
Grumbling spread through the camp, anger rising like heat
Healer revealed in unrest, showing power to make whole again

[CHORUS]
Yahweh Rapha, You lift our weakened hands
Yahweh Rapha, You calm our rising fear
Yahweh Rapha, You heal our bitter hearts
Yahweh Rapha, You meet us in this wilderness

[VERSE 2]
When illness weakens my steps, when this wilderness wears me down
When fear grows sharp in my chest, when bitter thoughts press in
When strength I had slips away, leaving me tired and unsure
Healer, be near when I call, bring Your help when I cannot stand

[CHORUS]
Yahweh Rapha, You lift our weakened hands
Yahweh Rapha, You calm our rising fear
Yahweh Rapha, You heal our bitter hearts
Yahweh Rapha, You meet us in this wilderness

[BRIDGE]
I will trust You in the fear, even when days feel too hard
I will trust You in the pain, even when illness is strong
I will trust You in the dark, even when light feels gone
Rapha, You stay through the storm, keep me standing when I cannot stand

[FINAL CHORUS]
Yahweh Rapha, You lift my weakened hands
Yahweh Rapha, You calm my rising fear
Yahweh Rapha, You heal my bitter heart
Yahweh Rapha, You meet me in this wilderness

Yahweh Rapha, You lift my weakened hands
Yahweh Rapha, You calm my rising fear
Yahweh Rapha, You heal my bitter heart
Yahweh Rapha, You meet me in this wilderness

[OUTRO / TAG]
Yahweh Rapha, You meet me here
Yahweh Rapha, You meet me here