“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” Romans 8:26a (NIV)

Can I encourage you with something today, friend?

Even if you don’t see it, you are healing. You are growing. God is shaping you into who He created you to be.

I know it can be tempting to doubt it, but today is another step forward into a future that God is paving for you. A future that may look different than you thought … but a future He has deemed good.

You see, the longer I live, the less I see healing as a destination and the more I see it as a daily choice. In case your heart is feeling a little weary today, I hope you’ll feel a little more encouraged that you’re not alone and that your beautiful, unique story is still unfolding. The circumstances of today are part of your story, but they are not the whole story.

I understand that sometimes all this pain can feel so very pointless. I know what it’s like to:

Start to wonder if these hard situations will be never-ending …
Feel that the hurt will last forever …
Question if you’ll survive this time of suffering and come out on the other side …
Process even more devastating news that makes your mind race, your throat tighten, and your eyes swell with tears …
Try to pray in moments when God feels incredibly distant …

Over the last couple of years, I’ve had to face one hardship after another. At many points I’ve wondered how I would make it through. Even now, I’m still very much in process. Yes, I’ve done the hard work with my counselor and processed all the things with my closest friends. I’ve been healing. I’ve gained perspective and understanding for how to move forward. I’ve made progress. But none of that changes the deep heartbreak I went through.

The reality is: Sometimes it still stings. And when that pain bubbles back to the surface, I wonder why God doesn’t just take it all away. Wasn’t it enough that I had to suffer through the trauma? Why do I now have to suffer with random memories that pop into my brain and cause me to face the loss over and over again?

It’s hard to feel confident in the goodness of God when parts of our story don’t at all feel good. But, friend, whether we’re trying to make sense of relational fallout, processing fresh grief, or just desperate for a few moments of encouragement, there’s something so very important God wants you and me to know: He is near to us in our heartbreak, and He cares about our despair. Past, present and future, God is still here.

Right this very minute, in the middle of our own difficult circumstances, we get to choose to cling to truth more than ever before. We can allow hope to be infused into even the most impossible-looking circumstances. And when we do, we let the devil know he has messed with the wrong girl this time. We can command our weary hearts to remember God is in charge and we are not, and that’s a freeing place to be.

As you wrestle with it all, the progress made, the steps forward still to be endured — the painful, time-consuming, beautifully refining process of healing — I want us to read a few verses in Romans 8 that are so comforting:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28, NIV).

Every time I read these words, I’m reminded I can simply surrender to Jesus and trust Him with every part of the journey I’m on. The more I surrender to trusting the Lord rather than trying to make my own way through this, the less I will suffer. And that brings great peace to my healing heart.

Jesus, thank You for reminding me of Your promises today. My weary soul needed to be encouraged that You haven’t left me, that You still have a plan, and that healing is possible for me. Show me someone else who also needs to be reminded of these truths, and give me the strength to share with them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

We’re celebrating release day! Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional, You’re Going to Make It: 50 Morning and Evening Devotions to Unrush Your Mind, Uncomplicate Your Heart, and Experience Healing Today, is now available! Whether you are personally navigating hurtful circumstances, recovering from a recent difficult season, processing grief, longing for deeper connection with the Lord, or looking for a resource filled with hope and biblical Truth for someone in your life who’s struggling, this devotional is for you! Buy now.

ENGAGE

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Zephaniah 3:17, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (NIV)

Exodus 14:14, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV)

Psalm 145:13b-14, “The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” (NIV)

Is there a friend in your life who may need a reminder that God loves her today? Open up a new text thread on your phone, and drop in one of the verses above — then craft a few simple sentences to encourage her heart. Or write a note to a fellow sister in Christ in the comments!

© 2023 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.