Abandonment: Find Rest
Friday, April 3, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'" Matthew 11:28 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Perhaps you were abandoned by a parent when you were a child. And the rejection, insecurities, guilt, fear, and emptiness that abandonment caused have followed you into your adult years.
This week we've looked at the Scriptures to help you find your way out of the dark and into light and hope. God, your heavenly Father, is perfect. So much better than even good, responsible earthly fathers because He is God. And He loves you. He wants to be your refuge. He wants to flood you with hope, joy, peace, and every good thing. He wants to give you rest.
Consider this …
Let's look at just a few of the myriad blessing He has for you as you keep your eyes on Him
JOY
"But what joy for all who take refuge in him!"
Psalm 2:12 NLT
HOPE
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
STRENGTH and PEACE
"The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace."
Psalm 29:11 NLT
CARE
"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."
Psalm 55:22 NLT
COMFORT
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort."
2 Corinthians 1:3 NLT
LOVE
"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:37-39 NLT
The list is endless. Spend time in prayer with your heavenly Father. Read His Book. And remember . . . He will never leave you.
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT
Prayer
Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you that no matter what my past, you give me hope. I thank you that you will never leave me or let me down. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from … Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner, D.S.W. This study helps to minister to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. The curriculum deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
- Ministers to families from abusive relationships
- Ministers to victims of family violence
- Deals with wounded emotions
- Deals with control and intimacy issues
- Presents a strong message of Christ as healer of abusive relationships
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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