I’m beyond Hurt Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138: 7 I’m beyond hurt. I’m beyond confused. I’m beyond stressed. I’m beyond tired . . . physically, emotionally, and mentally. My friend Melissa wrote these words in her journal one morning. She knew she could keep going, but she also knew that when she felt this way, she had a choice: she could let her thoughts ride the waves of her crashing emotions, or she could anchor her thoughts to the solid truth of God’s promises. She said: I have to be intentional to focus on a different set of “beyond” statements or I quickly find myself sinking. I know this from experience. Even if the “beyond” statements above are true, there are others that are also true. I am beyond blessed: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1: 16 I am beyond strong: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9 I am beyond secure: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14: 27 I am beyond safe: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138: 7 I am beyond hopeful: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11 I am beyond loved: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13: 5 I am beyond valued: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16 I am beyond forgiven: Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7: 48 I am beyond found: Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” Luke 15: 4– 6 I am beyond complete: So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Colossians 2: 10 NLT We can’t trust our feelings, or even circumstances, to tell us how we are. They change like the wind. Up one moment and easily shot down the next. But God’s Word never changes. His unmoving truths go beyond our emotions and the circumstances our day holds to anchor us in hope. Some days, weeks, or even seasons of life are discouraging and we can’t see beyond the pain, hurt, and stress. Searching God’s Word to find His view of our circumstances and of us lifts our eyes off the problems and onto Him. 20 Today, let’s ask God to lead us beyond our hurts to our ultimate source of hope: His truth and encouragement! Dear Lord, thank You for recording Your Word for me to reflect on and find truth in. Thank You for giving hope and peace beyond my feelings and circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen. When I say: I’m beyond hurt. God says: But you are not beyond My reach. Let Me walk with you through these troubles and help you today. Though [you] walk in the midst of trouble, [I] preserve [your] life; [I] stretch out [My] hand against the anger of [your] foes, with [My] right hand [I] save [you]. (Ps. 138: 7) Swope, Renee (2013-11-05). Confident Heart Devotional, A: 60 Days to Stop Doubting Yourself (A Confident Heart) (p. 186). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 13:53:08 +0000