When Life Happens

Posted on December 31, 2025 by daaorg1214

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) tells us: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” This verse informs us that God is very much aware that discipline isn’t fun; it can be uncomfortable and even painful. However, the reality is that discipline is a necessary and unavoidable part of the Christian life. During the process, we might be tempted to have a pity party or believe that others have it better and that the grass is greener on the other side. Thinking this way might offer temporary relief, but it will not change the fact that discipline opens the door wide to growth in Christ. It’s crucial that we view it this way.

God’s discipline might lead us to fall back into old habits and questions like, “What did I do to make God angry with me?” We might revert to attitudes that suggest God is punishing us, but this is not the truth. Regarding God’s unconditional love for us, 1 John 4:18 (NLT) says, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” God’s love drives out fear, and if we are still afraid, it is due to our worries about punishment. By loving and honoring our Heavenly Father, we can move beyond these fears and trust in His perfect love.

Although we might have witnessed or endured domestic violence and abuse from childhood well into adulthood, that is not a space we should call home. Domestic violence and abuse is not God’s discipline, make no mistake about that. Living in fear is never where God wants us to be. Instead, He wants us to live continually in His love, protection, and care. He doesn’t inflict pain on us. He is a loving Father who disciplines His kids because He cares about us and wants us to lead fulfilling lives. Psalm 103:8-12 (NLT) beautifully expresses this: “8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”

1 John 1:5 (NLT) declares, “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” God doesn’t cause our troubles and tribulations, but through them, He opens our eyes. We may have been walking around with blinders, unable to see the goodness of His faithfulness and promises, or to be guided along the path of our purpose in Christ. We must recognize that through our brokenness and pain, He illuminates the victory that faith in Him will ultimately win for us.

Life happens—we make mistakes, and sometimes things go terribly wrong. Facing these situations is never easy, but it’s often in these challenging moments that God’s light shines the brightest. They offer us a clearer view of the times where we didn’t trust Him as wholeheartedly as we should have. It’s important to understand that domestic violence, abuse, and fear are not signs of divine discipline; they’re just harsh realities that don’t reflect God’s love and Will for us. Our true home is with our Heavenly Father, and when life happens to throw obstacles our way, we can move through them by trusting His sovereignty, grace, and power.

In Isaiah 43:19 (NLT), He said, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Even in the toughest situations, God is at work, creating new paths and refreshing our dry places with His promise of restoration and hope. When we’re in the midst of life’s struggles, it’s easy to feel lost or abandoned. But this verse assures us that God is not only aware of our situation, but He is also creating new possibilities where we see none. Let’s trust Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. He’s greater than any challenge we face, and if we stay close to Him, He’ll guide us through the wilderness into our eternal home of peace, love, and joy. So, hold firm to this promise, knowing that God’s transformative power is working even in our darkest moments to bring forth a future filled with His abundant grace and blessings. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Living in Unfamiliar Territory

Posted on December 24, 2025 by daaorg1214

Fear and anxiety can be debilitating human experiences, and our Heavenly Father has given us the remedy in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” No matter the challenges we face, the presence of God provides a security and peace that surpass our understanding. However, there are many people going through really tough storms in their lives, and they don’t know that they can lean on God. A new friend, Elaine, was in this place not long ago and shared with me the hurtful situation she was dealing with.

Dreaming of having a family since she was a child, Elaine was ecstatic when she discovered she was pregnant with twins. They were her world, and their needs always came first. If you had asked her husband, he’d argue that he was a very distant fourth or fifth on her priority list. After 13 years of complaining about what he considered a loveless marriage, Elaine came home one day after work and saw a note on the bedroom nightstand. It read, “I’m done. You won’t have me around anymore, and maybe you’ll understand how I’ve felt the last 13 years.” She acknowledged that her husband was a good father and provider but admitted that they had stopped seeing each other as man and wife years ago.

Elaine is shocked at how devastating it’s been since he left. It’s rocked her to her core, she said. Her husband took care of everything, and she may have taken this for granted. She acknowledged that she’s never known what it means to totally lean on God as the Source of all blessings. She asked me, “How do I ask God for help?” I suggested she begin by praying openly, and share her fears, confusion, and hopes with Him. I told her that asking for help is about being honest and vulnerable with God. It starts with acknowledging her need for His support and guidance. I reminded her of Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

1 John 4:15 (NLT) tells us, “All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.” Our Heavenly Father is home for us. He’s our Creator, and when we accept the salvation He offers through Jesus Christ, we begin to live in Him. But, when we put children, spouses, family, and friends above God, we lose sight of the One who gave us these blessings. This is the equivalent of living in unfamiliar territory, one that’s outside the realm of God’s Will. Life can quickly become overwhelming when our priorities are out of order in this way.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” This means making God our top priority and trusting Him to take care of everything else. This focus on God helps us keep our lives in balance and ensures that we remain within His guiding presence and purpose.

Understanding that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and sovereign helps us see that He is unlike anyone or anything else; He’s in a class all by Himself and no one compares. Psalm 115:3 (NLT) says, “Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.” Acknowledging the truth of His overwhelming brilliance, holiness, and perfection is the starting point for a deep relationship with Him. By keeping Him first in our lives, we align our hearts and minds with His plan, and everything else will fall into its rightful place.

Romans 8:28 (NLT) tells us: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” This is God’s promise to us, but it hinges on our faith in Him and our trust in His Word. Elaine experienced firsthand how quickly life can change when our priorities and focus drift from God’s Will. Her situation shows how extremely important prayer and faith are, and how crucial it is to keep God at the head of our lives. When we fully get on board with His purpose, even when the storms are raging and we’re dealing with the most challenging thing we’ve ever encountered, we can find peace in God. We can rest in Him, trusting that He is working everything together for our good, because this is what He promises to do.■

Let God Handle It

Posted on November 19, 2025 by daaorg1214

Proverbs 20:22 (NLT) says, “Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” This verse offers profound guidance for us as believers, calling us to a higher standard of patience and trust. Sometimes, living out this principle can be incredibly challenging, especially when we are deeply hurt by the actions of others.

As believers that are following the example of Jesus Christ, we can face life’s ups and downs from a place of unwavering faith in God’s love and grace. Galatians 5:25(NLT) tells us, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, and we apply our faith as we yield to him and trust his guidance. This faith we have in the Spirit is not just a shield against hardship but a source of strength to face it. He empowers us beyond what we can imagine.

The mindset of walking by faith and following the Spirit’s guidance is beautifully illustrated by the story of a dear sister-friend of mine, who found herself grappling with a significant personal trial. She had been in a relationship where promises of change were made, especially on a hopeful occasion like Mother’s Day weekend. Her boyfriend vowed to stop drinking and seek help for his anger issues, but instead of improvement, his behavior worsened. This culminated in a frightening and aggressive outburst where he physically pinned her against the wall. Her initial reaction was one of pain and a strong desire for retribution.

A strong desire for revenge is not uncommon to most of us. We see it everywhere—when people are hurt or wronged, their first impulse often is to seek revenge or justice on their own terms. The natural human response is to want to “get even,” to balance the scales of justice according to our own understanding. Yet, the wisdom of Proverbs 20:22 calls us to a different path.

My friend defended herself, but also remained calm so that the situation didn’t escalate any further. However, her anger after this incident was almost uncontrollable. “No man has ever put their hands on me like that, and I’m going to make him pay!” she said. In moments of hurt and betrayal, the temptation to retaliate is strong. We might feel justified in our anger and think that we can manage the situation better than God could. But Proverbs 20:22 reminds us that seeking revenge not only fails to bring us true healing, but it also endangers us further. When we act out of hurt, we often make things worse rather than better, compounding our pain and possibly leading to more significant consequences.

Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to take the lead. His power has no equal, and when we place our trust in him, he will guide us to God’s Will. John 16:13(NLT) tells us, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” The Holy Spirit tells us what he has heard from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and Jesus is the answer to all life’s questions. Rather than acting out of revenge, the Lord commands us to shift our gears to faith in him, so he can bring resolution, restoration, and healing.

My sister-friend ultimately gave up her plans for revenge. She learned the hard way that God’s way is always best. We must draw near to Him and be patient as He guides us. Lamentations 3:25(NKJV) says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” The call to “wait for the Lord” is not a passive or inactive stance. It’s an active trust in God’s justice, mercy, and timing. Waiting for the Lord means surrendering our need for immediate resolution and trusting that God sees the full picture, that He is righteous in His judgments, and that His plans for us are good. ■

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

He Hears Our Cries & Rescues Us

Posted on October 15, 2025 by daaorg1214

Psalm 145:18-19 (NLT) states: “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.” This incredibly wonderful scripture assures us that when we sincerely call upon the Lord, He draws near to us and responds to our cries for help. This truth is like a comforting melody to me, reminding me that Jesus Christ is constantly by my side, regardless of the challenges I face. It’s a reminder that our true home lies beyond this world, and our purpose here is to serve God’s Kingdom and nurture a close bond with Him through our Savior. Jesus Christ, our closest companion, understands every form of suffering imaginable, having endured it all on the cross for our sake. Whenever we find ourselves in need, Psalm 145:18-19 encourages us to call upon the Lord genuinely, knowing that He is always there to answer our prayers and provide comfort and rescue.

Our Master Jesus said in John 8:32 (NLT): “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” You and I can’t be free by believing a lie. We must know, believe, and trust God’s truth, because it frees us from oppression and darkness. Jesus reminds us that liberation comes from aligning ourselves with his reality, not with falsehood. There’s liberty and justice in truth and that’s exactly who Jesus Christ is for the Christian believer. He affirms this in John 14:6 (NLT) when he declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Our Lord and Savior paved the way to victory for us, and as we follow him in our lives, the path of God’s blessings opens us for us.

Feeling intense sadness and isolation during challenging times is a heavy burden to bear. In those moments, it’s common to feel utterly alone, as if no one understands or supports you. This sense of despair can make it incredibly difficult to believe that help is within reach, that assistance is just a prayer away. The weight of our struggles can cloud our minds and hearts, making it hard to connect with the faith that God is our Source of comfort and guidance.

However, despite the overwhelming darkness, the truth remains: help is indeed only a prayer away. Even when it feels like no one else is on our side, we can find comfort and strength in turning to our Heavenly Father. He has all power, and He delights in helping us. He tells us in Matthew 6:33 that we should seek Him and His Kingdom first, and when we do this, He promises to take care of all our needs.

Although it can be tough to summon the faith to trust in the power of prayer during times of intense struggle, it’s vital to recall that we’re never truly alone; prayer is our acknowledgement of this. It’s our invitation to the One who has all power to intervene and introduce His love and power into our situations. We can be confident that God is ever ready to listen, console, and lead us through our darkest moments. Clinging to this truth brings hope in a very meaningful way.

The timeless wisdom of Proverbs 3:5 tells us not to lean on our own understanding, but to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Our own understanding is limited, and leaning on it can lead to mistakes, confusion, and unnecessary worry. However, entrusting our hearts fully to the Lord allows us to surrender control and seek His divine guidance in every aspect of our lives. The bottom line is that we must have humility and faith, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that God’s ways are higher than our own. True wisdom begins with acknowledging our dependence on our Heavenly Father. He hears our cries, and when our faith is in Him alone, He’ll rescue us as His guidance lights our way to peace, comfort, and greater faith in Him. ■

Coping with Painful Circumstances

Posted on October 1, 2025 by daaorg1214

Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

Recently, I spoke with a woman who has been grappling with feelings of betrayal for nearly two years now. You’d think with time, healing would start to take hold, but it’s not always that simple – especially when children are involved, and faith hasn’t been a guiding force in the journey to healing. She’s reached out to countless people, hoping for encouragement and comfort for her shattered heart. Some of the advice she’s received has steered her towards anger and resentment. So, instead of finding comfort, she’s found bitterness creeping into her soul. She confided that she fears she’ll never be capable of loving again.

Dealing with tough times is something we all face but coping with the pain of a partner’s infidelity can be especially tough. It’s like a heavy weight you carry around, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. I’ve seen it firsthand, women reeling from the shock of betrayal, desperately trying to lessen the pain any way they can. It’s a natural instinct, isn’t it? When you’re hurt, you want to shield yourself from more pain, just like you’d protect a physical wound.

Turning to those who do not know the Lord and haven’t given their lives to Him can sometimes worsen rather than alleviate pain. That’s why passages like Proverbs 16:24 resonate so deeply, highlighting the restorative effect of kind words on the soul and body. Our Master Jesus said in John 14:27(NLT): “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” The Words of Christ bring us a peace that passes all understanding. They instruct, edify, and heal us.

It’s our outlook and approach to challenges that truly shape our experiences as believers. We desperately need to hear the truth, especially when we’ve been attacked by the enemy, who tries to weaponize our relationships against us. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) is a powerful reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” This is a reality check for us, reminding us that life isn’t all about what our physical eyes see. There’s a spiritual battle going on behind the scenes, and it’s no joke!

Ephesians 6:13,18(NLT) states: “13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Rather than succumbing to despair or resentment, this passage prompts us to equip ourselves with God’s spiritual armor of prayer, faith, and the truth of His Word to combat the schemes of the enemy. We can rely on the strength and protection that comes from our faith and stand strong continually.

Realizing that our battles extend beyond human conflicts, but are against spiritual powers, enables us to face difficulties with wisdom and discernment. God doesn’t want us to shut down emotionally due to hurt or betrayal. Instead of harboring bitterness and anger towards people, we’re encouraged to employ fail-proof weapons like prayer, faith, and truth. Whether it’s betrayal in marriage or any other relationship, relying on these tools helps us navigate with the authority and power of Christ, avoiding emotional paralysis and fostering forgiveness and growth.

Trust in God is pivotal to overcoming brokenness. Psalm 51:10 (NLT) beautifully invites God’s restorative work within us: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Our loving Heavenly Father desires the best for us, far beyond our own comprehension. So, stay steadfast in faith, facing challenges with courage, because nothing can hinder the reality that your inner strength of faith will always manifest the victory of Christ. Despite pain or adversity caused by others, God’s presence and power surpass all, guiding us to overcome with a renewed spirit. Take heart and trust in His unwavering strength. knowing that victory is within reach. ■

Trust God in All Your Storms

Posted on September 10, 2025 by daaorg1214

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
“9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Most folks aren’t out there trying to prove how tough they are. If they’re anything like me, they’d rather dodge any rough patches if they can. And when the tough stuff does roll around, we’d rather have someone to lean on, right? Well, truth be told, only God is consistently in our corner, and we must be deeply grateful for His faithfulness. Life will throw some serious curveballs to test our resilience. So, who are you when you’ve got to make those hard calls? Do you crumble under the weight, or has life taught you to trust and lean on God in the storm?

For those that haven’t experienced life’s full range of ups and downs, surprises can catch you off guard and hit you like a ton of bricks. But guess what? God’s saying in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 that through it all, His grace is more than enough. Many of us have experienced firsthand that life is indeed full of ups and downs, right? But when your partner walks out, your job tanks, or your kids are driving you nuts, you don’t have to fall apart. Why? Because when you’re feeling weak, God is strong!

Isaiah 40:29 (NLT) states, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” As God’s kids, He’s given us power and authority through Jesus Christ. With it, we can tackle anything the enemy throws our way. But here’s the kicker, we’ve got to remain grounded in God’s Word. It keeps us steady when everything’s up in the air.

The psalmist’s words in Psalm 23:4(NLT), “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me,” provide tremendous comfort. As children of God, there’s no need to fear the future or what’s lurking around the corner. We have the privilege and the responsibility to place all our trust in God, just as Psalm 23:4 says. Our Heavenly Father is always there for us, through thick and thin. When you need a shoulder to cry on and a shield for protection, He’s right there, and He promises never to leave or forsake us.

1 John 4:4(NLT) declares, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” Most of us have heard this wonderful truth taught many times, but a lot of us still clam up when it comes to handling the unexpected. We need to make a shift and adopt a new strategy for tackling the hiccups of life. Rather than forgetting God’s promises when things heat up, let’s make a commitment to visualize the Lord’s kind but strong face as he holds our hands and never lets them go. Then, literally hear him speaking the commandment of Mark 11:22 to you: “Have faith in God.”

Even when you feel life’s struggles trying to pull you down, resist it and be determined to keep your mind and heart stayed on Jesus Christ. God spoke it, and it is our reality, as His kids: His grace is all we need. We might feel weak, but with God, weakness is a chance for joy, a chance to find strength in the Lord. When you’re feeling down and out, when you’re ready to throw in the towel, that’s when you’ve got to press into the Father. He will bring us through the storm. Lean into Him, thank Him for seeing you through the rough patches. The power of Christ is within you, and don’t ever forget it. ■

An Urgent Cry for Help

Posted on September 3, 2025 by daaorg1214

Psalm 86:1-7(NLT)
“1 A prayer of David. Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. 2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. 3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. 4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. 5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. 6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. 7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.”

Have your circumstances ever been so dire that you cried out to God like never before? You knew in the depths of your heart that only our Heavenly Father could come to your rescue? This is King David’s urgent cry for help in Psalm 86:1-7. He was the king of a great nation and had many problems and enemies. The situations were overwhelming, and David understood that mere mortals could not rescue him and a nation. It had to be God. This is where he placed his trust, and God never disappointed him.

1Peter 5:9(NLT) tells us, “9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” Standing firm against the devil is the charge God gives us in this verse, and the way to accomplish it is to be strong in our faith regarding God’s love and power.Many believers all over the world are suffering through really difficult times. All of us must pray for each other, and we must know that the only way we’re going to make it through is with God on our side.

Often, people come into the faith and become Christians because they think it means they won’t ever endure difficulty again. This isn’t true. Our Lord and Savior made it clear in John 16:33 that with life on earth, we will have troubles, but we should be courageous and brave when we face them. The reason we can be courageous and brave is because when Jesus Christ carried out God’s mission on earth, he overcame all the pressures, strife, and struggles that any of us will ever endure. He won the victory over those things, and because he did, we can live in his victory every moment of our lives.

1Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God is the not the author of chaos and confusion. He is a God of order and peace. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t orchestrate the difficulties we face, but we have an enemy, the devil, and he causes all the evil and darkness in this world. In John 10:10(NLT), Jesus Christ said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” And in John 8:44(NLT), Jesus says about the devil, “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” We are often deceived by the devil, and we make a huge mistake when we blame what he does on our Heavenly Father. This is exactly what the enemy wants. Coming between us and our relationship with God is his target, because he doesn’t want us to have faith in God. Instead, he wants us to be afraid of him. We should never give into his scare tactics.

Some are urgently crying out to God and saying they’ve never seen such heartache and despair in their lives. They are contemplating giving up on their relationship with Him altogether. This is something we must never do. Instead, we must understand that it is during our weakest and most vulnerable moments that the enemy tries to attack us, but God will always and forever have our backs. He tells us in 2Corinithans 12:9(NLT), “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

God’s grace is our strategy for embracing the victory of Jesus Christ! God’s grace is the favor that He gives us even though we can’t do anything to earn it. We simply must have faith in God’s power and have faith in His willingness to use it on our behaves. Be assured that believing wholeheartedly in God is the practice that pleases Him. He tells us this in Hebrews 11:6. All relationships take time to develop and deepen, and faith is the way to go to develop and deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. You and I must desire a better relationship with Him, and then we must begin to build our lives around this. God hears our urgent cries for help, and when we have the faith to take His hand, 1Corinthians 10:13 tells us that He will deliver us and lead us to a way of escape. ■

God Knows the Hopes of the Helpless

Posted on August 20, 2025 by daaorg1214

Psalm 10:17-18 (NLT)
“17 LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. 18 You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.”

Abuse of any kind is never okay, and it never will be, but the reality is that it happens in many relationships and homes across this country and beyond. It has also happened to some of us and did so at a time in our lives when we were defenseless against it. Inexperienced and vulnerable, young people can be preyed upon. I grew up in a small town where domestic violence and abuse was often hushed and swept under the rug. There were students in my classes that were dealing with horrible situations at home, and lots of us knew about it but were powerless to help in any meaningful way.

While teaching the disciples, Mark 9:42(NKJV) tells us that Jesus Christ said, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” The millstone that Jesus is referring to in this verse is very heavy, and if it is tied around an individual’s neck, death by drowning was most likely imminent. This would be a horrible death for sure, and our blessed Lord tells us that this horror would be less than the one that awaits the person who injures the vulnerable and causes their trust in him to be diminished.

Over two thousand years ago, when our Lord and Savior walked the face of the earth, abuse in its many evil forms existed. It was on the scene even before he came, and it is indeed one of the reasons why he came. There were predators, manipulators, and perpetrators who abused others as a matter of sport, and sadly, this is happening in our world today. We need to know and trust that Jesus Christ did not come in vain. He said in John 10:10(NLT), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” He came to earth to make a more than abundant life available to everyone that will have faith in him and accept the salvation that he offers.

Childhood does not hold fond memories for everyone, especially when domestic violence and abuse has a place in our younger years. We lacked the maturity to process what we were witnessing and experiencing, and many of us still carry the scars. Woe to the person that has caused us this level of pain, but our minds can’t be focused on the abuser. They must be focused on Jesus Christ. He understands what we’ve gone through better than any other human being. Hebrews 4:14-16(The Message) tells us, “Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”

Love never hurts. It’s the complete opposite of hurt; love is kind and generous. This is the love God gives to us, and it is the kind of love that we should give and receive from others. When we’ve witnessed or experienced abuse at a young age, sometimes our thoughts and feelings around how to give and receive love become entangled with things like fear, insecurity, and confusion. In this state, we can make the wrong people, feelings, behaviors, and relationships the focus of our lives. If this happens, we will not give our relationship with God the focus and attention it deserves, and therefore, our faith in His power, love, and strength isn’t what it could and should be.

God’s Word teaches us in Hebrews 11:6(NLT), “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Our Heavenly Father wants our faith in Him to be strong because faith is the path to all His blessings, and a lack of faith will hinder us in life. Our relationship with God can never be based on what we can do for Him. It is always based on what He can do for us, and our faith is what pleases Him most.

The pain of what we’ve gone through renders us helpless in ways that we can’t always identify, but we are not without refuge or help. Psalm 10:17 tells us that God knows the hopes of the helpless, and He will not disappoint us. So, as God’s beloved children that have been hurting a very long time because of abuse, He’s asking us to make a shift in the way we believe and think about Him. We must have total confidence that our Heavenly Father doesn’t want anyone to be abused. When we are committed to praying and talking to God often and to studying His Word, He will heal our hearts, and we will both give and receive His love with the joy and faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. ■

Breathing Room for My Soul

Posted on August 6, 2025 by daaorg1214

Psalm 62:5-6 (MSG)
“God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, an impregnable castle: I’m set for life.”

Significant relationships is an area where most of us have the greatest challenges. We yearn in our hearts to find someone that is compatible; someone that loves God and is committed to love us in the same way that we will love them. Our desire for security and validation pushes us to put our best foot forward when we’re dating someone new. We try hard not to allow them to see our baggage and they do the same, but the truth is that we all have it; some more than others. Eventually, the walls will come down and a person’s real self is revealed. If it’s uglier than we could have imagined, the reality that we’ve committed ourselves to this person can make us feel trapped.

If we’ve made an ample emotional investment in a dating relationship, most of us will overlook certain things and try to make it work, but sometimes this isn’t the answer. If we’ve left God out of the equation from the very beginning, and we’re not following His Word in our relationships, the reservoir for real and lasting love is depleted before the relationship begins. 1John 4:8(AMP) tells us, “The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]” The love of God has to be in a person’s heart and on that person’s mind in order for them to be a conduit of His love. Sometimes we date individuals that are simply not interested in pursuing and giving God’s love in a way that pleases Him and fulfills us.

God’s love working in us will cause us to govern our lives by things like patience, generosity, kindness, honesty, peace, and joy. If there isn’t gratitude for God and His love, and if this isn’t the motivation for all that we do, there will be no breathing room for our souls. We can’t expand and increase in a way that brings light into all the situations and relationships of our lives.

1Peter 1:13-16(MSG) says, “So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.””

Our heads are in the game when our hearts are ever expanding with love and honor for our Creator. We are required and equipped to demonstrate our gratitude for what He has accomplished for us through Jesus Christ. The way that we do this is to be obedient to His Word. We can’t slip back to those old ways of trying to leave God out of our relationships. Everything we hope for comes from Him, as Psalm 62:5-6 tells us.

Significant relationships can add to our lives and increase them in wonderful ways, but every person we date doesn’t have the capacity to partner in this. Rather than giving us room to grow, they can stifle us, and God doesn’t want this. He’s the One with the plan for our existences, and He knows the person that is a gift to our journey forward and upward through Christ. So, let’s not takes risks with something as important as joining our lives to another. God knows our flaws and strengths, and if we place our faith in Him, He will connect us with the person that will help us grow stronger in His love and grace. Surrender this area of your life to Him, because only He can give comfort to our aching hearts and breathing room for our souls.■

Your Way Out

Posted on July 2, 2025 by daaorg1214

1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)
“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”

Looking for a way out of your troubling circumstances? Fear, loneliness, and hopelessness creeping up on you? You’re not the first person to feel this way, and you won’t be the last. 1 Peter 5:9(NLT) tells us, “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” No matter what we face in life, no matter how difficult or tough it may seem, God promises that we have the victory in Jesus Christ. If God says it, it must be so!

All of us have times in our relationships where we become weary. Sometimes, the issues of our partners are weightier than we expected, and this can make us feel boxed in. When those issues are domestic violence and abuse, the toll on our total well-being can be overwhelming, but can be comforted in the reality that we don’t have to go through it alone. There are many resources available for those of us that are being abused, and we should take full advantage of them. We must also know that the best gift we can give ourselves is to pray to God for help. When we do, He often answers our prayers through other people. He works through them to help us at just the right time. So, we should never hesitate to ask our Heavenly Father for help, nor should we hesitate to accept the help He sends.

We should also be aware that our internal healing is also very necessary. It’s possible that the person we’re in a relationship with had red flags from the very beginning, but we either ignored or didn’t recognize them. Maybe we thought these things would get better, or that the person’s love for us would overshadow any deficiencies. Whatever the case, it is very likely that we need increased wisdom, so that we make better choices in the future, and we learn how to discern the Will of God for our lives. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t ever want anyone to be abused in any way, and when we learn more about His love, we will gain greater confidence in life.

So, it isn’t uncommon that we need to be strengthened internally to feel better and stronger about seeking help. God tells us in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” God is our strength, and it is important that we feed our minds and souls with the promises of His Word so that we can be empowered by His truth.

Some of us look at the current state of our lives, and we think, “How did I get here?” It can be pretty shocking, but we must not blame ourselves or sink into self-condemnation. We must remember that we have the strength of God within us because the Holy Spirit lives within. God’s Word teaches us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20(NLT), “19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Our Heavenly Father has trouble covered in grace on all sides, and His Spirit is in us helping us beyond what we can imagine.

It’s a great strategy if we can decrease the amount of focus that we place on our circumstances and situations and increase the focus we place on God. He never disappoints us, and He will never leave or forsake us. Romans 8:28 tells us that He will cause all things to work together for our good if we will give Him our trust and honor. He can heal us way down deep, where we need it most, because His Spirit is in us, and the Spirit will always be our way out of any trouble or problem we face.■

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Category Archives: Spiritual Encouragement