The picture alone sends me away.....
I have been struggling these past few days.
Sometimes it is hard for us who have been abandoned physically/emotionally, who live in fear, or abused to think God will do the same.
For someone like me who struggles with understanding and accepting love, can find it difficult to believe that God wants to pour out His love on me. That I am just that important to Him.
The Bible states that God comforts and takes joy in His children. He longs to quiet our anxieties. He takes such delight in us and sings for joy! He does this with His love. We need not fear.
In reading a devotional on fear lately, I received comfort as it is explained this way:
The key to understanding is to see that when God says 'do not fear', it is not a simple imperative from an authority figure. The words "do not fear" are spoken as words of comfort. And they are followed by a specific promise of God's presence with us.
God comforts us in the way a loving parent comforts a frightened child. God says to us, "I know that you are afraid; but I also want you to know that I am here with you. I will not leave you. I will give you strength. I will give you help. I will hold you by the hand so that you will not fall".
I know for some of us it is hard to comprehend a 'loving parent' comforting us. I do understand.
Sometimes I wonder at this point, that since I am having trouble receiving His love, may also hinder me not receiving His joy.
As hard as it is for me to accept and feel the love that God offers, the comfort I gain in reading His Word that says He is with me every step of the way, showing me as I walk the day out with Him the things I need to take into my heart and learn, cherish, and apply will get me through the day one step at a time.
Amen, one step at a time, He will also carry you sweeetie.
ReplyDeletejust read this post and the one before it...JBR....sending you a ton of hugs.. you're brave....really brave. I'm proud to have connected with you...Stay strong....you are a fighter...different than me....but a fighter...and an overcomer...Sarah
ReplyDeletePraying for you JBR. Hang tight.
ReplyDeleteJBR,
ReplyDeleteWith what I've been through, I know this place a bit...His love was like a sieve to me. Then, I began to pray that He would engrave His love for me into my heart. Careful what you pray for...the process was comforting and excruciating, but worth it.
CC
Sweetie, you're doing just fine. All in God's timing. Hugzzz
ReplyDeleteI love this post.... I don't FULLY understand love and have been reading a lot lately on how to love... accept love... God's love... you will get there... for sure.
ReplyDeleteIt's very understandable that the picture would have the effect on you.
ReplyDeleteSecretia
It is so difficult to believe that God loves us, when we KNOW who we are! But He loves us inspite of who we are and is ready to heal all our hurts, it is the giving them over to him that is difficult at times. Even though it hurts to remember we sometimes cling to them like a security blanket when letting go would be such a liberating experience. JBR, you are doing so good ...just keep heading the way you are now! Love ya...hugs!
ReplyDeleteRose
My heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteI know for me, it was easier to understand that a parent could love his/her child when I had my own child myself. I felt so much love for him. When he was born, I just knew he had come straight from God and His light. I've tried to use this knowledge in "re-parenting" my own inner child. (((((((((JBR))))))))
ReplyDeleteThe picture made me uncomfortable. Not having grown up with images of God or Jesus in my home I did not immediately see that image as you did.
ReplyDeleteI think a big part of the problem with Christianity for me is the entire concept of God as "father".
Father is not how I want to see God. It is not a comforting image or concept.
I'm glad it is for you...
I love this post. Thank you for sharing yourself so unselfishly with us. Love and hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt seams everyone has a way...a unique way to find the right path, even with out noticing it. I hope your heart leads you to where the safety and his joy lies.
ReplyDeleteJBR,
ReplyDeleteI heard it explained once this way and I hope it helps. When God offers to comfort and be there with us, it is the same way we would if a friend or family member that is going through one of the worst times in there life, we sit with them, comfort them, sooth them and stay with them until we know they are going to be alright. It hurts us as much as it hurts them and we can empathize with them.
Hope that helps and if you get a chance stop by my blog today for an exciting new giveaway.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
your openness, your vulnerablity is awesome. Praying His comfort and joy fill you to overflowing...so much you just got to dance...☺ You're the best.
ReplyDeleteJBR:
ReplyDeleteYou're growing, it shows week by week!
God our Father is 'Father' in the perfect sense of the word... He who formed, created and planned JBR's very existence into being, created from His perfect heart of love, chosen to be His child! That's you, and me. Amazing grace!
Hugs!
Sonja
a beautiful message. and God is leading you, this much is clear. keep on going...
ReplyDelete((((JBR))))
ReplyDeleteMay you continue to feel God's peace and comfort in your life. You are making WONDERFUL strides, dear one!
Blessings~
Laura
Girl Friend, you can't know how your blog sight Just Be Real has so much power in helping those of us who are struggling in this healing journey from our Lord. I just want you to know that and how grateful I am for you and your honesty you pour out of your heart each day. Wow! That takes so much courage! Not only that, it shows me how far you are on your path to healing in doing this.
ReplyDeleteI could esp. relate to this post; the part about not understanding/believing He loves us, which puts us in a position to not receive the love and the JOY He has for us. You're talking to the choir friend. To completely abandon my heart and soul to Him is a difficult thing to do but it is a choice I have to make each time to know and trust that my heavenly Father is NOT my earthly father and will never respond to me as God does with His pure love. Thanks again.
xoxo Janie
Would you mind me asking what the name of the devotion on fear book is and if I could purchase this @ B.&N. or similar book store? Thanks, Janie
ReplyDeleteJanie, I cannot recall where I go the excerpt to this one. May be Joyce Meyer, I do no recall. That is why I could not give the author credit. My bad. Blessings and hugs to you dear.
ReplyDelete