Despite the pain we feel in this broken, sinful world, we have hope because Jesus understands us. He too suffered abandonment by those closest to him, his own family and disciples. He was betrayed by Judas, one of his twelve closest followers. He was rejected by his own Jewish people. He was physically abused when he was beaten and crucified. He was emotionally and verbally abused when he was belittled as being born out of wedlock and called a son of Satan. However, his suffering was more than just his own. Isaiah 63:9 tells us that “in all of your suffering, he also suffered.” Many of us felt as if we were all alone when we suffered. The Bible confirms that we were not alone. Jesus was right there with us, suffering, feeling the full impact of the abuse we suffered. He understand and fully feels our pain. Therefore, we can go to him for help and healing of our pain.

God often puts other people in our path to walk with us on the journey to healing. These are often people who have walked the path of suffering before us and who have experienced God along the way. To walk the path of healing, there are some helpful guideposts along the way. 

1. Embrace the pain. Do not shy away from it or stuff the feelings connected with your story. Embracing the pain allows Jesus to come into that pain and heal it.
2. Acknowledge the anger. It’s okay to be angry after what’s happened to you, but do not let it grow into revenge in your heart. As you acknowledge that you are angry, you will be empowered to set healthy boundaries and say “no” to future abuse.
3. Give yourself time. Give yourself time to feel things. Be gracious with yourself the same way that God is gracious to you. Do not push yourself to forgive before you are ready. There is no shortcut to a healthy healing.
4. Revisit your faith. After a traumatic incident, we often ask God why He allowed us to hurt so much. We tend to question Him and tell ourselves the lie that we are not important to Him. God challenges us to grow through trials. Remember that God will not allow anything that he is not willing to walk through with you.
5. Learn to forgive. Some people have hurt us so much that we believe we cannot forgive them. But holding onto bitterness and resentment hurts us and destroys relationship. 

These are only a few suggestions for when you are overwhelmed with pain and suffering. There are many other helpful suggestions in the book Cleansing the Sanctuary of the Heart: Tools for Emotional Healing. Don’t be afraid to seek counseling or call out to your family and friends for support. You don’t need to suffer abuse alone. We cannot avoid hurt and pain in this fallen world, but Jesus is real and he wants to help you to experience his healing today. He is drawing your heart to himself.