Today's Scripture
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!" Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG
Thoughts for Today
If you were ever a victim of violence or abuse of any kind, you no doubt felt totally out of control in the situation, whether it was child neglect or abuse, sexual violence, rape or any other form of mistreatment. You never want to feel out of control again, so now you try to control every situation—and relationship—in your life. You probably don't even trust God to be in control.
None of us can be free to become all we were meant to be until we recognize that God is in control, that he loves us and wants to care for us. We are fooling ourselves when we think we can make it on our own through this life. We need to lean on Jesus. On his wisdom, his strength and his love.
Consider this…
Jesus loves you. He is inviting you to put your hands in his and let him guide you and help you through the circumstances of life. Stop trying to figure everything out on your own. Stop trying to forge through life depending on your own strength and understanding. Let Jesus love you. Let him help you reach your full potential and accomplish all the good things he has called you to do.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for thinking I could make it through life on my own. I need your help and your guidance in everything I do. Help me to stop trying to control everything … Help me to listen to your voice … to obey you … and to trust you. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from…
Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner. This study ministers to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. It deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in small groups and Christian counseling. 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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