Free to Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles & Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling LifeSample

Be Free To Thrive Today

In this devotional, we’ve explored the thriving life of wholeness God intends for us, why we can struggle to experience it, and practical steps to heal and flourish. So how do you continue in wholeness? 

First, by growing in a personal friendship with God; seeing Him rightly as your loving Father who delights in you, values you, and cares for you.

If you wouldn’t say you know God personally, you can start a relationship with Him today. Simply put, God is perfect, loves you, and desires to know you (Deuteronomy 32:4). 

Yet we are all born broken and have all done wrong (Romans 3:23). We hurt God, ourselves, and others. Despite this, we are valuable to God. That’s why God came to this earth in the form of a man, Jesus, to live a perfect life of obedience to God for us, never doing wrong (John 3:16). He was murdered on a cross, taking the penalty for our wrongs, and rose from the dead in victory over evil (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). You can receive forgiveness and have a personal relationship with God simply by asking Him for it (Romans 10:9). 

Second, by developing a healthy relationship with yourself. Becoming emotionally aware, healthy, and understanding your deepest God-given longings and how He has created you to experience their fulfillment. Additionally, understanding and living from a place of steadfastness by knowing your God-given worth and how much God loves you.

Third, being fully known and fully loved by safe people who support you, don’t judge you, and who know even the things you’re afraid to share. Living a life of serving others sacrificially, loving them, and sharing Jesus with them.

Just as unmet longings lead to unwanted behaviors, met longings lead to thriving. Practically, you can go to God and others daily for the love, acceptance, and support you need.

Over time, as you have experiences of your longings being met, you’ll develop positive core beliefs about God, yourself, and others that replace the lies. You’ll begin to thrive again.

1. What next steps will you take to experience wholeness?

2. For more steps to grow, pick up Free To Thrive by Josh McDowell and Ben Bennett at freetothrivebook.com.