Heart Wide Open

As a survivor of domestic violence, it has taken a while to unlearn the guilt I would feel if I would do something for myself. The conditioning that takes place between abuser and victim is used to control. To force the victim to deny her or his own needs or face the consequences.

Psalm 37:7“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”

Healing takes time, lots of time, and a lot of conscious effort to realign your focus toward your healing. Relationships take time and the two most important relationships during the healing process are relationship with Jesus and relationship with yourself.

Isaiah 30:15 “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.””

Slowing down is a challenge. I remember being hypervigilent for the first several months, which inhibited my sleep and also put me on overdrive to detach and protect myself. So what can you do?

Mark 6:31“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”

Give yourself grace and space as you make these life changes. Choose where you spend your time and remember that it is okay to say “no” as you learn how to prioritize yourself and your health.

Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Being in prayer with Jesus every day pulls you outside of yourself and into the presence of the great healer. Prioritize this time as time spent with a best friend, because He is.

John 15:15 “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”