Day 17 - God is a God of Absolutes

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 17 - God is a God of Absolutes

Dear teenage self, 

God will never leave you nor forsake you. He is a God of absolutes. He always loves you, never leaves you, never lies to you, always says what He means, and can be trusted at all times. He will never make promises He doesn't intend to honor. He is your everything. 

So often, you feel afraid that your needs will not be met, that you're too much for the Lord to handle, and that you will ultimately disappoint Him to the point where even God will abandon you. That simply is not true. You are not too much for Him. Be assured that you are safe in this place and have a future richer than your current situation. 

And my God will fulfill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 +Philippians 4:19 (LEB)

Richard Wurmbrand spent eight years in prison for his faith, three of them in solitary confinement, never seeing another human being other than his captors. During that time, he often sang to the Lord and prayed with the angels he knew surrounded him. Sometimes, he said he could sense the Lord in the light amongst the shadows on the walls of his cell. His need for love, encouragement, and spiritual fulfillment was always met, even in the absolute worst situations. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, You are always good. You can always be trusted. Thank You for remaining by my side even when I don't feel You near. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

One of my favorite books. It reminds me to stay humble, stay close to the Lord, and never waiver on my belief that God is all we need.

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.

 

 

 

Day 16 - You Are Beautiful Just the Way You Are

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 16 - You Are Beautiful Just the Way You Are

Dear teenage self, 

You are beautiful, just the way you are. All around you, girls are experimenting with makeup, hair products, self-tanner, diets for weight loss, and fashion choices. Sometimes, you compare yourself to others, making you feel bad. You were never meant to look like all of the other girls. You were made to be you. 

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 

+1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)

Focus on the internal work of beautifying your heart, letting God take hold of it, and transforming it as you renew your mind. Focus on the Word of God, prayer, meditating on the Word of God, and breaking down walls in your heart that separate you from Jesus. Those are the beauty treatments that will serve you well all the days of your life. 

Let's Pray

Jesus, I need You. Sometimes I get so caught up in the world, wanting to conform to beauty standards of those around me. I often forget that You care far more about the state of my heart than the brand of shoes on my feet or the color of mascara on my lashes. I confess that I have sinned against You with my vanity. Thank You for filling me with the Holy Spirit, convicting me, and setting me free so I can go and sin no more. I love You, Jesus. It is in Your Holy name that I pray. Amen. 

We are beautiful because we are His.

Stay tuned for another episode. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.