Hurt

January 3rd – Psalm 21:13

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Psalm 21:13

When someone hurts us, it’s in our nature to want to retaliate. To make them feel, not only the same, but worse pain than they caused us. But instead of encouraging revenge or getting even, God demands something unfair, undoable, and unjust. Not only does He want us to leave the punishing to Him, but He expects us to forgive our enemies. And most infuriating of all, to pray blessings into their lives. But how do we do that when what we want is vengeance? Through the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence.” The power of God allowed David to rule as king, defeat his enemies, and experience victory over trials. And that same power allows us to forgive others, restore broken relationships, and have hearts overflowing with grace and mercy instead of dried and hardened from bitterness and revenge.

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Zechariah 7:10

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Zechariah 7:10

When Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek, (Matt. 5:39) He knows what He’s asking is hard. Because when we’ve been hurt, betrayed, and disillusioned, our first response is to retaliate. But if Jesus had that attitude, humanity would never have been saved. The Lord had command of over twelve legions of angels at His disposal. At anytime Christ could have walked away from the Cross, and taken revenge against those who wronged Him. Yet instead He responded with unmerited love and kindness, sacrificing Himself for all. In our own strength showing kindness to those who deserve it the least is impossible. But in God’s strength, we can do all things; including loving our enemies. Because we too were once enemies of God. But in His great love, He didn’t give us what we deserved. Instead He gave us kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and everlasting life.

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July 21st – 1 Thessalonians 3:12

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1 Thessalonians 3:12

As passionate as the apostle Paul was about Jesus, he was equally passionate about those he led to the Lord. Like a father who loves and cares for his children, Paul was there to teach, strengthen, and inspire young believers as they grew in their faith. Knowing firsthand the trials and persecution Christian’s endure, Paul understood the importance of encouragement. Encouragement is defined as, “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope”. As a result of God’s abundant mercy, we have a living hope through Christ. (1 Pet. 1:3) And that blessed hope needs to be shared with a hopeless world. So today and everyday, be an encourager! Because sometimes something a simple as a warm smile or a kind word can make all the difference to one who is hurting. Therefore share God’s Word earnestly, abound in love increasingly, and encourage each other joyfully!

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July 18th – Philippians 4:4

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Philippians 4:4

When we’re hurting, being told to rejoice seems not only impossible, but particularly cruel. After all, how could God expect us to find joy in pain? But did you know that of all the books in the Bible, among the most joyful are the “prison epistles”? These are the letters written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. The apostle had been falsely arrested, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, beaten, and eventually beheaded. Yet through it all, Paul never lost his joy. Because his gladness wasn’t found in his circumstances. Rather, Paul’s joy was in the One who provided the love, peace, and strength he needed to endure every trial. And by following Paul’s model we too can rejoice always; even in the worst of circumstances. We don’t rejoice over the hurt, but we can rejoice over the Lord. Because He will use our situation both for our good, and His glory.

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June 4th – Psalm 55:22

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Psalm 55:22

There’s nothing more painful than being betrayed by someone you hold dear. King David knew this well. Betrayed by one of his dearest friends, his heart was broken and his soul weary. David faced threats from all sides, enemies constantly wanting his destruction, and not knowing who would turn on him next. Too much for any one man to deal with on his own. No wonder he cried out in deep despair. But because the One he cried out to was the Lord, David found the strength to overcome every painful circumstance. To cast our cares on God means laying at His feet every problem, hurt, and disappointment. To trust in His promises and provisions, and letting Him fight our fight. No matter what this world throws at us we needn’t worry nor fear. Because God promises to never let the righteous be shaken!

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