God sees your aching heart.

God cares that you are hurting.

I know it doesn’t always feel that way when you look at circumstances, but He really loves you.

Psalm 34:17-18 says: The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

The world says if you are a “winner” you will have great success and popularity. However, the Bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world, but we can take heart because Jesus has overcome! (John 16:33) Christ in us, the Hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)

Transparent moment here:

Recently, I was really struggling with a situation that is very unfair. I understand how imperfect humans do hurtful things. However, I was tempted to start doubting that God really cared or maybe that the ones going against God’s Word were being more blessed. I was very burdened and asked the Lord to give me a word. Psalms 38 came to mind.

I read the whole chapter. David was struggling because of his sin. He confesses, repents and pleads with God to restore and forgive Him. I was perplexed as I had searched my heart and didn’t know where I needed to repent. So, I asked the Lord to show me. The word “unbelief” came to my mind.

I had let the actions of others and my emotions create a stronghold of doubt in my heart. I started to doubt God’s love for me. I entertained the idea that maybe those who are deceitful were getting the victory.

I had to repent.

I repented from fixing my eyes on people and circumstances. I repented from doubting my Savior because of what I can see with my eyes. I asked the Lord to wash over my heart and refresh me.

I want to encourage anyone struggling with hurt today to not let Satan steal even more from you. He will try to get you to focus on anything other than God’s truth and His love for you. He wants you to doubt, grumble, and get discouraged. Instead, let the hurt and pain you feel drive you closer to the Lord.

Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who has such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

Repent and refocus! God is in control! He is faithful and His love does not change! In Christ, we have the victory.💛