Dealing with Disappointment: Arrested Development
Monday, November 13, 2023
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"He who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy and with loving-kindness." Psalm 32:10 AMP
Thoughts for Today
Childhood rejection often hinders our spiritual and emotional growth. This is often referred to as arrested development. Since children learn to internalize pain, they may carry it into adulthood, accepting it as normal behavior. They learn the three childhood rules: don't talk, don't trust, don't feel.
Adult characteristics of arrested development include self-doubt, self-hatred, isolation, low self-esteem, uncontrollable anger, and barriers (self-protective techniques learned in childhood). Without God's help, these characteristics can cause much sorrow in marriage and family relationships.
Consider this ...
Did you experience a time of rejection in your childhood or as an adult that has been a stumbling block for you? To begin a healing process, you first need to recognize and admit your need for help.
Everyone's wound is different. Each one's wound is his own. But no matter what causes the pain, the answer remains the same: Jesus Christ. Today's scripture states that if we rely on Him, the Lord will surround us with His mercy and loving-kindness.
This week we will look at Joseph and see how he overcame disappointment and rejection by trusting in God.
Prayer
Father, I see that some of my struggles may be from rejection. Help me overcome by learning to lean on you and experience your mercy and loving-kindness. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from ... Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. 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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