Uncovery: Rethinking Recovery One Day at a TimeSample

One of the issues that we must learn to love better and lead people through is the problem of self-harm. This compulsive behavior can take many forms, including cutting, overeating or eating too little, engaging in intentionally risky or unsafe behavior, and more. Ultimately, people who struggle with self-harm cause themselves pain to deal with pain—painful feelings, painful memories, or painful circumstances and experiences. The problem of pain is so real that pain itself becomes the only release.

The desperation of self-harm can stem from a need to control, punish, or even connect with ourselves in a world that can leave us feeling numb. While self-harm isn’t always an indication of being suicidal, it can be a way to express suicidal feelings without seeking death. For those who struggle with self-harm and those who are trying to love and lead them, we must understand the Father’s heart on this issue. His heart for His children is always compassion and mercy over judgment.

We don’t have to be perfect. Jesus is perfect, and God sees us through His perfect sacrifice. We don’t need to be punished—Jesus paid it all on the cross. We don’t need to look inward for connection and purpose—God longs to reveal our oneness with Him, a supernatural connection that honors and dignifies the mind, the body, and the self.

When we look for God in all the wrong places, we will struggle to find Him in His fullness. But when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. In His timing, He will reveal the truth about who He is and who you are. He will encourage healing and proper self-care worthy of the new creation you already are.

Your oneness with God in Jesus completely reframes your identity in this world. You are no longer a sinner but a saint! The living God lives inside you! God is birthing a new season in you that’s no longer connected to your past identity and struggles. By grace, you’re not free to sin; you’re free from it—and by God’s strength, you can step into the transformed life He has for you.

God, You don’t just take me from death to life. You give me a completely new birth into a promised-land life of transformation! Help me see Your promise of new birth. Amen.