“But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:21
Climbing the Emotional Ladder
As I reflect on twenty-plus years ago—I remember how devastated I was when my partner, at that time, hurt me so deeply that I could barely function in my daily routine. I had three little ones to care for, as well as my obligation at my job—I had to face people throughout the day, and it was all I could do to muster up strength to get dressed and go to work with a sincere heart and smile. It was so difficult to get through the day without breaking down crying; it was God’s strength that got me through daily. I had to do what was right no matter how I felt.
During that time in my life, I really wanted to stay home in isolation, read my Bible, pray, and work through all my heartache and get better before I stepped out into the world—but God had a different plan. He had me face my pain and step out into the world, even while hurting deeply, and continue to do the right thing on my journey with Him in that particular season in my life—it was for my spiritual growth.
I asked God to help me forgive this person for the pain, betrayal, and emotional abuse that was inflicted upon me and my children—I knew that I had to do the right thing, and I knew that I couldn’t do it on my own. God’s Word tells me in Matthew 6:14-15 (MSG): “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
Getting healed emotionally and working through forgiveness are both a process. Each time we face another hardship or heartache, we will grow spiritually and encounter joy as we continue to get stronger in forgiving others more quickly, as well as getting stronger in our emotional being.
I thank God for this experience in my life, as painful as it was. I can see in every challenge and heartache I face on my journey with Him, He desires growth in me spiritually. I love Jesus more and more each day because I know He will guide me through whatever experience I encounter to be a light in this dark world for Him and His glory.
“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not” (C.S. Lewis).
Thank You, Lord, for Your steadfast love for us. We are daily amazed by Your grace. Thank You for helping us along our journey in forgiving others as well as growing us in our emotional well-being. We love You, Lord. Amen.
Thank you for sharing your heart ❤️ so helpful! Amen!
I, too, went through a very painful divorce 2 years ago and faced the same experience of having to forgive him for his unfaithfulness to his vow. I, too, learned that if I didn’t forgive him, I would continue in anger and pain. I am almost healed from it and don’t have to go through the daily anguish of angry thoughts and having to pray them away with prayers of forgiveness.
It WILL pass as God’s healing and the plans from that/this day forward are revealed… to be a much better life! Walk in newness.