Free To Be Accepted

Prayer for the Process of Grieving Our Childhood

Father God, I am so prone to now wanting to feel pain that even the thought of grieving scares me. I realize there were things in my life that I lost.  Sometimes, I just couldn’t face it.  Other times, I resorted to anger and blame.  I may have even blamed You for allowing this in my life.  Lord, You know the barriers in my heart that have prevented me from healing.  I ask that You please work in me and do for me what I can’t do for myself.  I ask, in exchange for my willingness to grieve and let go of losses, that You give me those things I really do need.  I trust You, Lord. I know that You are able.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

You Are Free to Be Accepted!

The journey toward healing is extraordinary!  We may begin this journey bitter and angry toward others for the wrongs they committed against us.  We may live our lives based on our perception of not measuring up, not being acceptable or worthy.  We may have felt overwhelmed by our own shame and guilt.  But through a journey of trust, surrender, and heart change, we find authentic acceptance.  We also discover that wounded areas in our lives become gateways to new beginnings. The negative experiences don’t go away, but they do become a part of our overall life experience.

^“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).

When we embrace forgiveness and benefit from its remedy, we can offer that same remedy to others.  This means we are able to accept others too.  Imagine spending the rest of your life feeling totally accepted exactly as you are! Imagine not having to worry about the flaws or the failures in your life.  And no longer having to punish (even if only in your mind) those who added to them.

We are moving from our old experiences to a new place, from brokenness to wholeness.  The entire process is meant to take away the damaging effects of sin and shame, those things that have attempted to disrupt God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV).

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime!  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NLT).

If you are faithful in your desire to be set free, there is a new day on the horizon.  The life of emotional and spiritual abundance isn’t necessarily one that is problem free; it’s one that is lived in Christ.  God does not intend for you to stay tied to your past.  He is waiting to pull you into safety and set you on a pathway of fulfillment and wholeness.  King David described a moment such as this in his life:

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.  He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see what he has done and be amazed.  They will put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3 NLT).

Have you ever felt that you were in the pit?  Have you ever hit rock bottom?  Has God freed you from those dark places?  What He has done for others, He can and will do for you!

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Soul health and spiritual maturity cannot be separated.  Our counselors are ordained Christian ministers as well as certified and licensed Christian counselors.  We are able to help you experience freedom from shame, anxiety, depression, or marriage / relationship conflict with methods that are purely Christ-centered.  Please click on this link to learn much more about how our DEPRESSION COUNSELING can help you become a more authentic follower of Christ, and help you find freedom from identity dependence.

Life Training offers convenient sessions at our office in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as online counseling via Zoom or FaceTime.  Our non-profit counseling practice has an outstanding track record for over a decade helping men and women, individuals and couples who are ready to move beyond anxiety, depression, and conflicts in marriage or other relationships find hope and healing in their lives.  Contact us today at 502-717-5433, or by email at drdave@lifetrainingcounseling.org