Raise a Hallelujah
I used to think that if I was broken, I’d forever be unusable. From that stemmed shame and loss of belonging. But broken is not an ugly word or something to be ashamed of. Because on the other side is restoration and healing and a lot of hallelujah. Suffering does not last, it doesn’t leave marks that cannot be easily erased, and most importantly, it’s not something we need to sit in.
God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Girl, God’s got this. Though the mountains may crumble, He will not.
That situation you’re praying over that’s leaving you sick to your stomach? Raise a hallelujah. God’s got this.
That broken relationship you desperately want fixed? Raise a hallelujah. God’s got this.
That fear, shame, loneliness that’s keeping you up at night? Raise a hallelujah. God’s got this.
That depression you can’t seem to pull yourself out of losing all care in the world? Raise a hallelujah. God’s got this.
In this hard season, she, you my sweet darling, will conquer the mountain. She is steadying herself and leaning into His grace. And with each step forward, she will whisper to herself, “I will rise.” In the middle of the storm, in the middle of the process, God is not dumbfounded with your current situation, or how you may feel your brokenness sees no way out. He’s cozied up tight with you invested in every thought you have and every turn in the road you take.
The chatter can get noisy and your vision may be blurred, but continue to focus your mind on Christ “…meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”(Philippians 4:8) There, you alongside God whose fighting lies about yourself, situations pressing you down, past choices dictating your future, you will find healing. When we permit the mess be messy and allow Him to heal us, and we apply His grace and mercy, He makes a way for beauty, joy, and new life to flow back in. He’s doing a new thing in you and me. Rest in the solid and secure hands of our Father. Eyes up, heart open, rise and move forward. It’s only temporary. Shout out all your praise!
“You’ll have no more need of the sun by day nor the brightness of the moon at night. God will be your eternal light, your God will bathe you in splendor. Your sun will never go down, your moon will never fade. I will be your eternal light. Your days of grieving are over.The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.”(Isaiah 60:19-20)
Personal reflection:
1. What helps you continue to believe God is with you and that He can bring healing to your life?
2. When we're hurting, there are a lot of places we run to. Evaluate where you go and what you do when you need to process pain and disappointment. Is it healthy, and are you allowing room for God to work in healing your brokenness?
3. Tell about a tough time in your life God ended up using for good.
Goal setting and sharing
List 3 goals that you would like to accomplish (at home, at work, with family, etc.) that will allow you to live out your purpose in regards to your healing:
CREATED WOMAN AGUST LINE UP: HEALING/SELF-CARE
Self-care is not selfish!
Self-care most often requires us to take steps towards understanding our hurts, disappointments, griefs, or life transitions. It’s not selfish, it’s a necessity. For you and the ones who are around you.
August theme is all about self-care. Yes, it might actually be called ‘Healing’ but aren’t they the same?
We believe we cannot be our best self unless we embrace the beauty of God’s healing power. By walking through and in His grace, we experience healing, strength, peace and restoration ultimately bringing life to others in our family and community.
Don’t walk alone, your tribe is right here and we want to walk beside you.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV):When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Podcasts
August 13th, Marcie Elliott-Smith, Dreams never die Pt. 3
August 27th, Stacy McVane, Hustle To Healing
Weekly Devotionals every Monday & Wednesday:
- Heal Yo' Self Before You Wreck Yo' Self
- Untangling Hurts & Losses
- Raise A Hallelujah
- The Fine Art Of Healing Slowly
- Girls Gone Loose
- The Overwhelming Fear I thought Would Never End
- Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
