Physical and emotional pain, abuse, or trauma can leave individuals feeling they will never be happy again. They feel on edge and as though their life is hopeless. While this is a familiar feeling for those who have gone through trauma, they need to know that they can be happy again, and this is because of the Lord. Every day you choose healing, you are working toward happiness. The trauma might raise its head occasionally, but healing is possible because of the Lord (Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 19:26).
Continue to cultivate your life and live in the freedom of Jesus’ love. What you have gone through is traumatic, so be easy on yourself. Extend yourself grace and don’t be so hard on yourself throughout the day. Be kind to yourself, allow yourself to rest, and learn to be okay with the idea of being happy again. Don’t believe the lie that you won’t be happy again. You will get to the right place with the right people one day, and all light will finally come in.
Prayer: “Dear Jesus, I have often doubted my ability to be happy again. After everything I have gone through, it can feel next to impossible. Please give me hope and help me to be happy again. Please help me extend kindness and grace to myself rather than hatred. I give all my fears, worries, and concerns to you. I know you will help me to reach healing and truly walk in the light of life again. I praise You, Lord. Amen.”
Related Resource: You Already Have the Key: How God Often Reveals Who We Are by Reminding Us of Who He Is
Depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma are on the rise, even more so after the painful few years we’ve all been through. While the church has had an unfortunate track record of glossing over mental health issues, Paul Daugherty, pastor of the megachurch Victory and today’s guest on the podcast, believes it’s time for the church to break its silence. You can’t just pray trauma away. Depression and anxiety can affect even the most devoted believer. Therefore, in today’s conversation, Paul sits down with hosts, Zach & Josh, to share his own story of walking through anxiety and depression, helping others understand how frightening and debilitating mental health struggles can be, and talking vulnerably about the highs and lows of his healing journey. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Built Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube so you never miss an episode!
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