“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isiah 41:10 (ESV)
People are pretty much the same. While there are obvious physical or ethnic differences and various preferences, every human heart is—without exception—in search of something or someone who will convince us that we are valued.
Though I can’t recall the source, I once read an article that explained why babies always end up scrunched against the side of their cribs come daylight. Babies need to be close; they feel comforted when touching something and will roll and squirm until they find a way to be grounded in the seemingly endless expanse surrounding their tininess.
As simplistic as that may sound, it’s not a far reach to say we all crave to be grounded and connected in this great vastness of existence. Whether romantic or platonic, we pursue shared experiences, and we seek out like-minded people for support and encouragement. We want to know we are of value, that we’re heard and, above all, loveable.
Resilient in its search, the heart takes one hit after another. Broken hearts rarely give up hoping for a future relationship. Those who experience relationship traumas at some point recover and try again. Even those who have allowed their pain to isolate them still have a deep, silent ache to matter to someone.
Unreliable friends, an unfaithful spouse, an ever-changing economy, for every crushing blow to the heart there remains One who can reach the deep recesses where pain hides. Nothing scares Him or causes Him to pull back. No one is out of His reach or unqualified for His love. When everyone else turns away, He’s still there.
He touched the leper. He protected prostitutes and gave them a place in His lineage. He ate with the despised of society. He never hesitated to walk into the thick of society and leave it a better place. Why? Because at Calvary, He invested every drop of blood He had.
Christ perfectly loves the imperfect.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- Have you ever experienced a relationship trauma? What age were you?
- Have you had time to reflect on that trauma? If so, what did you learn about yourself?
- Do these thoughts and feelings still have an effect on you? If so, what kind of effect? Do you feel shameful, distrusting, unlovable?
- If you’ve listed any lasting effects (listed above), name one (or more) person who does not make you feel that way.
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“But you, oh Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 (ESV)
Read this scripture and say to yourself: God will never be mad at me. His Fatherly heart does not give me what I deserve, but instead He gives me His unwavering love and is faithful to never leave me.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
