"How do I forget and move on when the damage has already been done?" This was a valid and legitimate question I was asked by someone who had a deep desire to move beyond the hurt of ridicule, slander, and public humiliation. The genuine pain of the hurt and incessant replaying of the traumatic events made movement seem virtually impossible. To this individual, moving beyond the present pain seemed impossible.
So, what is the answer when one is at the depths of despair? The easy answer is, there is no easy answer. It requires consistent, diligent hard work and a heart that is in pursuit of God, who is holy and just. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not his ways. Although our finite human minds cannot fully grasp or comprehend the depths of God, we can trust that all things are working together for good (Romans 8:28), even in our brokenness. When we purpose to pursue God in and through our brokenness, it evokes personal change at a deeper soul level.
A characterlogical change also occurs. The core longing in our hearts to seek God as the source of our healing, deliverance, and ultimate wholeness is revealed.
Consider the numerous accounts of people who struggled with varying degrees of challenges in the Bible who encountered Jesus--the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), Nicodemus (John 3), the thief on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:42-43), Saul (Acts 9:1-19), and so many others. We do each of them have in common? An encounter with the Lord changed their lives immeasurably. When we encounter The Divine, we simply cannot remain the same.
The good news is that no damage is irreparable. Even our deepest heart wounds can be healed when we bring our brokenness to The Father and align our faith with the truth of his word, reminding ourselves that God desires that we be spiritually and emotionally whole (John 10:10). It takes time, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit to draw close to God--that is where, when, why, and how the healing occurs. There is power in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).
So, what is the answer when one is at the depths of despair? The easy answer is, there is no easy answer. It requires consistent, diligent hard work and a heart that is in pursuit of God, who is holy and just. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not his ways. Although our finite human minds cannot fully grasp or comprehend the depths of God, we can trust that all things are working together for good (Romans 8:28), even in our brokenness. When we purpose to pursue God in and through our brokenness, it evokes personal change at a deeper soul level.
A characterlogical change also occurs. The core longing in our hearts to seek God as the source of our healing, deliverance, and ultimate wholeness is revealed.
Consider the numerous accounts of people who struggled with varying degrees of challenges in the Bible who encountered Jesus--the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), Nicodemus (John 3), the thief on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:42-43), Saul (Acts 9:1-19), and so many others. We do each of them have in common? An encounter with the Lord changed their lives immeasurably. When we encounter The Divine, we simply cannot remain the same.
The good news is that no damage is irreparable. Even our deepest heart wounds can be healed when we bring our brokenness to The Father and align our faith with the truth of his word, reminding ourselves that God desires that we be spiritually and emotionally whole (John 10:10). It takes time, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit to draw close to God--that is where, when, why, and how the healing occurs. There is power in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11).
PRAYER
Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you that even in the midst of anguish and despair, you have not forgotten me. I lean into the truth of your word for guidance, healing, deliverance, and hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. I pray for your grace that is sufficient and your strength that is made perfect in my weakness
(2 Corinthians 12:9). Help me to be consistent and diligent in my pursuit of a deeper relationship with you. I take my eyes off of personal pain and even those who have caused pain and distress in my life. I chose to focus on you--your word that gives light according to Psalm 119:130. I receive the light of your word.
I receive your love, compassion, and kindness. Thank you for being a safe place for me (Psalm 31:8) Amen.
