It started off like any other prayer but this time, something within me changed.

“Heavenly Father, I come before You today” was all I could say before my voice started to shake and the tears rolled down my face.

Earlier in our morning devotion, my husband and I reflected on our family’s difficult season. It was nothing wrong we’d done; we didn’t fail God in any way. But yet, He allowed a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad circumstance to disrupt our lives.

And it left me broken, bruised and bitter.

I couldn’t see this situation working out for our good no matter how hard I tried. And the more I struggled to find God’s purpose, the more it devastated me.

I knew it was wrong to let in hatred or resentment towards the source of our pain. I knew that even if I had every reason in the world to be angry, God was asking me to forgive.

Still there was a disconnect between what I knew and how I felt.

Can you relate?

Have you ever been hurt so deeply, all you wanted was payback or vindication against the source of your pain?

As humans, one of the most difficult things we can ever do is to forgive the ones who hurt us. It’s even harder when there is no remorse or sincere apology waiting on the other side of our forgiveness.

Scripture after scripture, God commands us to live out those hard actions:

Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you (Matthew‬ ‭5:44‬). Never take revenge (Romans 12:19). Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words (Ephesians 4:31). Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

God wants us to let go of all our valid reasons for holding on to our hurt. He wants us to trust Him for justice, in His timing.

You may be thinking “well, you don’t know the source of my pain“. Dear friend, I don’t, but God does. And, He wants to heal and make you whole again.

He wants all his daughters to have beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

As for me, I’m still waiting for my season to change except I am now doing so with more peace in my heart. Because of that simple prayer my heart is fixed in Christ.

Yes, better is coming for me. And for all those who trust in Him!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I come before You today, broken, bruised and bitter. I am hurting because (tell God specifically what is hurting you.) Even though I can’t understand every thing You’re doing in this season of my life, Lord I am trusting You to turn things around for my good. I surrender my heart to You. I ask you for the strength to forgive the source of my pain. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

Take the Next Step: As you begin your journey towards healing, what scripture will you memorize as a reminder to keep moving forward?