Blog - A Broken Heart's GPS Christian Counseling and Resource Center (856) 473-5937 lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org

Permission to Be Happy

8/31/2015

"Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"--Psalm 32:10-11(NKJV)

Many who have experienced deep hurt and sorrow as a result of trauma, abuse, neglect, rejection, and/or abandonment often struggle with feeling happy. Yet the Bible has a lot to say about happiness. The bottom line is, God desires that we be HAPPY. This is not to suggest that we will not have struggles, trials, challenges, and difficulties. We know that we will:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”--John 16:33(NKJV)

We cannot deny, ignore, or avoid the pain lodged in our hearts that is the result of a horrific incident. But, we do not have to stay locked in that place. As we allow God to heal the wounds of our heart by bringing them to him in prayer, be seeking out godly counsel and support, we can begin to move forward. One of the ways we move forward in life and the process of healing is by giving ourselves permission to be happy. Guilt, shame, embarrassment, and various other elements may make happiness seem elusive or unobtainable; yet it is possible.

Consider these suggestions:
* Go on a walk
* Take a Zumba class
* Watch something funny on TV--laugh! (Our family like to watch America's Funniest Home Videos--it's a guaranteed laugh)

These suggestions may sound silly--but they release serotonin in the brain; the "happy" chemical. As you begin to experience the feeling of happiness, know that it is okay. God wants you to be happy and you have permission to be happy. Now, give yourself permission!

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before you on behalf of every person who is struggling with giving himself/herself permission to be happy. I pray that you would remove that stronghold now. I pray that they will receive that which you have so freely given according to John 16:33. Amen.

For more information on Serotonin, click the link below.

A Proper Perspective

8/28/2015

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."--Psalm 121:1-2

So often when we pray, we pray with our eyes on the problem, challenge, or difficulty we are facing--which skews our perspective. When our perspective is skewed we are commandeered by what we see, what we feel, as well as the scenarios and conclusions we have drawn in our own minds.

When there is a need or area of concern in our lives, the word of God encourages us to look up--looking to Lord, who is our help. We must change our perspective from the problem to the One who has the solution or the answer. When we pray, we are to pray with God at the forefront of our mind--not the difficulty. When our focus is on him, we have the proper perspective.

Prayer for Victims of Trauma

8/27/2015

"For I am afflicted and needy; my heart is wounded within me."
--Psalm 109:22(HCSB)

Trauma wounds the heart; it injures one's sense of self-worth, dignity, and honor. Trauma not only wounds, but it also robs. In Psalm 109:22, David describes the effect of his wounded heart rendering him afflicted and needy.

Only God can heal those deep puncture wounds in our heart. As we give God permission and access to our hearts, like David did, he brings healing, deliverance, and restoration that cannot be found in any earthly solution.

If you have been a victim of trauma and you feel the deep piercing, throbbing, unrelenting pain of a soul wound, give God access. Allow him to bring healing. He is Jehovah Rapha, "The Lord that Heals".

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for victims of trauma who are experiencing great pain and distress. I pray that they would bring their soul wounds before you now. I pray that you would remove pain, hurt, shame and bring healing, deliverance, and restoration. I pray that you would restore dignity and honor. I pray that they would sense their worth and importance. I pray that you would wrap them in your peace, your love, and care. I pray that they would sense your presence and receive your healing now, in Jesus' name. Amen and so be it according to the word of God.

Click the link above for more information on Trauma.

I Am Free

8/26/2015

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
--John 8:32(NLT)

Prayer
Father, I thank you that your word is truth. I thank that through your word I have knowledge of the truth. I do not have to remain bound and imprisoned by lies, false beliefs, and deception. Your word says that truth liberates me. I thank for the freedom that comes with knowing your truth. I receive your freedom now, in Jesus' name, Amen and so be according to the word of God!

Confronting a Giant

8/25/2015

"Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted."--I Samuel 17:45(NASB)

Confront: to deal with (something, such as a problem or danger); especially : to deal with (something) in an honest and direct way (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

Most of us are familiar with the biblical story of David and Goliath. It is the story of a brave young man who did what no else in Israel's army was willing to do--confront Goliath--the massive, intimidating, bullying Philistine giant who relentlessly taunted the Israelite army. Day after day, for forty days, he evoked fear and terror in their camp by yelling, harassing, belittling, and mocking them.

When David arrived on the scene, to bring his brothers lunch, he was appalled that this Philistine of Gath would dare to come up against God and his people. I can just imagine David saying, "Oh no he didn't!!!" He made a decision to confront the giant who defied the God of Israel. David courageously went up against Goliath because he knew who was with him. He knew the power of the God of the armies of Israel!

When Goliath saw David, he hurled insults and curses to debase and demoralize him. (But, that is what the enemy does--he mocks the God and us, the people of God. And when make a decision that enough is enough and when begin to make efforts to confront, overcome, and seize victory--he will endeavor to stop us in our tracks with acrid, slanderous verbiage. It's always a distraction, don't fall for it!) The Bible tells us that when David heard Goliath, he got up and ran towards him in haste! There was no hesitation, no knees knocking in fear, no calling for back-up...just swift movement and determination to confront, conquer, and destroy.

And, we know the end of the story. Big Bad Goliath went down for the count. He had seen his last day to ridicule, mock, and bully--David took his head off! There was no chance that Goliath would ever get up again. He had been permanently defeated because David was brave enough to confront him.

Today, we may not face a literal giant as David did; but there are giants that seek to vex and torment our souls. Many times we are unwilling to face them because of their enormity and the fear that they cause. Yet, as children of God, we have the same power and help that David had when he confronted the giant in the name of the Lord. We have the power and the authority to come against every giant that we face in our lives, when we come in the name of the Lord. Victory is assured!

Reflection:
1. Are there giants in your life that you have been unwilling to confront? Why?

2. List every giant that may be vexing or tormenting you. (Examples; negative thinking, over-eating, lying, anxiety, alcoholism, co-dependency, etc.)

3. Select a scripture to meditate and pray on concerning the giants in your life.

4. Envision yourself defeating the giant(s) in your life as David did. What does this look like. Draw a picture of it.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that you are with me. I thank you that you have given me the power and the authority to confront every giant in your name. I thank you for victory in any area that I have been unwilling to confront. I thank you for wisdom and supernatural courage to aggressively go after the giant(s) of ______________________ in my life according to your word in I Samuel 17. Amen

I would love to agree with you in prayer concerning the giants you are making a decision to confront. I would also love to see your drawings of your envisioned victory. Take a picture of them and email them to: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org!

Change Begins with Me

8/24/2015

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way."
--Psalm 139:23-24(HCSB)

Change. It is a word that we are all familiar with, yet it is often met with trepidation and is not always welcome in our lives. Why? Many of us are creatures of habit. We like our routines. We like familiarity, predictability, and the status quo.  Yet, very often inner change is required to catapult us into our destiny.

Real, authentic change requires sincere introspection and self-reflection, and then taking those areas to God in prayer. It means looking at the areas of our hearts that are unpleasant, unattractive, undesirable, unfulfilling, and all the other "uns-". It means there is no blame-shifting or projecting our feelings onto the unsuspecting bystander, or ignoring that there are some real areas of concern in our hearts.  It means boldly praying, "God show me, ME."

Introspection takes courage and it takes courage to change. But the benefits far outweigh a perpetual cycle of lies and efforts to self-protect. When we are courageous enough to look at ourselves on a heart level--or even greater, when we are courageous enough to ask God to reveal what is really out work in our hearts, we are on our way to an abundantly, victorious life of freedom and satisfaction!

Reflection:
1. Are there areas in your life that need to change? If so, what are they?

2. Find a quiet place and time when you can pray and meditate on Psalm 139:23-24. What is God showing you about you?

3. As God is revealing areas of your heart, give those areas back to him in prayer. Ask him to lead and guide you. Ask him to replace what you have given him in prayer with his joy, peace, comfort, and love.

Prayer for the "Unloved" and Forgotten

8/21/2015

“...Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love..."--Jeremiah 31:3(NKJV

Do you remember the story of Leah in Genesis 29? It is the sad account of a woman who was unloved and mishandled by the most influential people in her life--her father and her husband.

"...he loved her much more than Leah...When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children..."--Genesis 29:30-31

Although Leah was not loved and was not treated well by others, God saw her. He saw the treatment, the pain, and the longing of her heart. How many of us, like Leah, have longed for the affection, acceptance, and love of a parent or significant other in our lives? How many of us began to feel "unlovable" because we were denied love from the very people/person it should come from in an unlimited supply? How many of us began to self-loathe and accept the lie that we are unworthy of love?

If this sounds familiar, then I have good news for you! You are loved more than you know. God loves you with an everlasting love. His love is unconditional, abundant, and plentiful. You cannot earn it or merit it because you already possess it! It does not waiver or change. God's love is constant and enduring; and it is available for you to receive today!

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease."
--Lamentations 3:22(NLT)

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for those who have had an experience like Leah in Genesis 29. I pray for those who may feel unloved and forgotten. I pray for those who have been abused, mistreated, and mishandled. I pray for their hearts now. I ask that you open their hearts to receive your love and acceptance. I pray that they would know their value in your eyes. I pray that you uproot false beliefs and lies that have been planted in the soil of their hearts from those who did not regard them as they should have.

I thank you for your promise to undo all that has afflicted them according Zephaniah 3:19. I thank you that you are doing something new and wonderful in their lives. I thank you that they are not unloved or forgotten according to your word in Isaiah 62:4. I pray that they would receive the truth of your word now, and begin to love themselves as you love them in Jesus' name, Amen and so be it according to the word of God!
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If you prayed that prayer--I would love to hear from you. E-mail me at lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org or call: 1(866)460-8976. God is doing something very special for you now. I will continue to pray in agreement with you!___________________________________________________________________

You Will Arise!

8/20/2015

"Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me."--Micah 7:8(NKJV)

Do you remember the movie "Rocky"? In the final fight scene of the movie the odds seemed to be against Rocky. As he fell to the mat, battered, bloodied, and exhausted it appeared to be a definite knock-out. The referee began to count, "One, two,..."
His opponent began to walk around the ring arrogantly with his arms in the air, the crowd cheering uproariously. Yet, this victory celebration was premature! Something began to resonate in our real champion, Rocky--an inner determination to get up and continue to fight. And, for those of you who have seen the movie, you know that in the end, Rocky got up and won the fight!

Can you relate to Rocky on some level? Does it feel like you have "hit the mat" or feel like you are down for the count? Perhaps people are celebrating your "defeat" or derive some type of pleasure from seeing you in a state of brokenness. "See, I told you so..." or, "You know you're not smart enough to do that..." Or perhaps you are battling your own internal negative thoughts.

If what is being spoken to you or what you are speaking to yourself are not words of life, they are not words that are worth your time or attention! Do not allow premature celebrations of defeat invade your space or consume your thinking. Begin to declare Micah 7:8 over your life, your mindset, your circumstances. No matter what it looks like, you are not defeated and you will get up!

Declaration of Victory:
Father God, I decree and declare that I will arise from my present situation. I decree that when I am down, that you Lord, will be a light to me. I thank you that I am victorious according to your word in Micah 7:8. In Jesus' name, Amen and so be it according to the word of God!

Healing the Inner Wounds of the Emotionally Orphaned

8/18/2015

"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."--Psalm 147:3(NLT)

Please see the new article, "Healing the Inner Wounds of the Emotionally Orphaned: Overcoming Emotional Abandonment". You can find it under "Victorious Living" heading, or click on the button below.

If you would like prayer or counseling in this area, please call 1(866)460-8976 or email: lauri@abrokenheartsgps.org.

Blameless

8/17/2015

"Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]..."
--Jude 1:24(AMP)

Many of us are skilled at replaying old tapes in our minds--regrets, moments of disappointment, and bad decisions. Unfortunately, we cannot hit a rewind button or do a "take-two" in life. The past is behind us and we cannot change it. We can, however take our regrets, disappointments, and bad decisions before our Lord in repentance. He forgives us and makes us blameless. We have liberty and freedom in Him.

It is important to remember that we are not defined by our experiences, mistakes, and choices. We tend to label ourselves based on our experiences. What we have done or what we have experienced may be a fact, but it is not truth. The true definition of self is defined in the Bible. What does God word say about you? According to Jude 1:24, in Christ, you are blameless and faultless. That is the true you!