Over the years I have met countless women who have undergone many different kinds of trauma or loss. Whether it is divorce, losing a loved one, a troubled child, addiction or abuse, the hurt can be consuming. My heart breaks as I hear their stories and their feelings of loss, emptiness and hopelessness.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2
These stories touch me so deeply because I have been there. I know what it feels like to hurt so bad that your bones ache and it is difficult to get out of bed in the morning. I know what it feels like to merely exist inside the pain, rather than living a life of victory and hope.
Thankfully that kind of pain and trauma is part of my past. By trusting in Jesus, and laying the pain at His feet, I can look to my future with hope, joy and peace; even in the darkest of circumstances. As I live my life in this way, I am so thankful for the gift of Christ. I cannot imagine walking through this life without Him.
Remaining stuck in the hurts and trauma of the past is no way to live. By surrendering your past to Jesus, you can live a life free from the bondage, looking forward to a future filled with hope. It is possible to let go of your past and anticipate the future with excitement. For me, that hope has come from the Rock. God is my rock, my shelter, my protection, and my fortress.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. – Psalm 62:7
The Bible refers to God repeatedly as a rock. In my life, He has consistently demonstrated His solid, unchanging and unmovable character. The Rock has become my foundation, never crumbling in times of trouble. He has become my shelter, protecting me from the storms that come. He has become my stronghold, standing firm against the adversities we all face in this world.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27
What burdens do you carry presently, or from the past? What is your foundation made of? How do you withstand the trials and storms of illness, loss, failures and hurt? God always stands firm, strong, unwavering and unmovable. In the Rock, you will find rest and protection. With the Rock as your foundation you can face any storm, overcome any adversity, and climb any mountain before you.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. – Psalm 46:1-7
