SUMMER FRIDAYS 1 - Speaking Up

Hebrews 4:15 GNT

Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin.

Speaking up can feel like one of the hardest things to do when we begin to pursue healing. Pain, trauma, and abuse can leave us feeling muzzled in silence, believing the lie that speaking up won’t help or might possibly even make things worse. We often are left questioning our validity, self-worth, and identity because of the difficult things we face in life.

Psalm 147:3 GNT

He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds.

Maybe you are struggling with sadness, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Odds are you have probably told yourself at one point that no one understands you, but this is not the truth. The beauty is God knows everything you’re going through, and He is able to sympathize with you in your weakness. Jesus knew what it was like to face everything we do - rejection, pain, heartbreak, loss, and even death. He experienced the realness of what it means to be human.

Even if you have no one else in your life who understands, He does.

My prayer is that if you are facing a hard time or have past hurts that haven’t been healed yet, you would be courageous to seek godly counsel and find trusted believers to have real, vulnerable conversations with.

With God, finding freedom is possible, and I believe it’s time for you to speak up.

Prayer:

God,

I humbly seek your presence and guidance. I come before you with a heart burdened by anxiety, depression, and the struggle to find my voice. I surrender myself to your infinite wisdom, mercy, and love.

Grant me the strength to face the challenges that weigh heavily upon me. Calm the storms within my mind and replace my anxious thoughts with your soothing peace. Help me find solace and comfort in your embrace, knowing that you are always with me, even in the darkest of times.

Lord, lift the veil of depression that shrouds my spirit. Fill my heart with hope, joy, and renewed purpose. Illuminate my path, showing me the way forward to healing and restoration. Grant me the courage to seek the support I need and to believe in the possibility of brighter days.

As I face the fear of speaking up and expressing my thoughts and feelings, instill within me a sense of confidence and self-worth. Help me understand that my voice matters and that I have the right to be heard. Give me the words and the strength to articulate my thoughts, emotions, and needs, knowing that you are my divine advocate.

Guide me to find the right support system, be it friends, family, or professionals, who will listen to me with compassion and understanding. Surround me with individuals who will empower and encourage me to speak my truth without judgment or condemnation.

Dear God, please remind me that I am never alone in my struggles. You are the source of unwavering love, and your divine presence is my refuge. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

May your divine light shine upon me, casting out the shadows of anxiety, depression, and silence. May I find strength and resilience in your love, knowing that through you, all things are possible.

In your compassionate and mighty name, I pray.

Amen.