Finding the Light in Self-HarmSample

DAY 4

NOT DESTROYED

I’d like to welcome you back. I am so glad to study together our topic this week on self-harm. If you have displayed self-harming behaviors, I have asked you this week to understand the reasons behind the actions.

On our first day this week, we learned that self-harm can be displayed in many different behaviors, some more dangerous than others. Most times, self-harming behaviors result from a negative self-image developed from past negative experiences. Also, when engaging in self-harming behaviors, there is usually some sort of temporary emotional relief.

This ends up being a vicious cycle based on pain, trauma, and lies. However, there is good news! The negative self-image you may have is a complete LIE! Scripture describes who we are; our weakness is the only negative thing about us. However, there is still good news in that even. Our weakness has a purpose!

Did you hear that yesterday? Perhaps not, because you are still trying to wrap your head around how fearfully and wonderfully made you are (Psalm 139:14). The purpose of our weakness, as the Apostle Paul describes, is for God’s strength to shine.

Let us continue reading so we can really understand how God works in our weaknesses.

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)

Paul is describing every single trial in your life right here. He is describing all the years of pain, every lie that has been told, each moment trauma struck, and every negative self-image. The only thing is, he describes them as not destroying you. Why? Because as a believer, God is in you, giving you strength to overcome. We carry around the weight of Jesus’ death, all the sins of the world He died for, so we also carry the life of Jesus’ resurrection in us. You see, it’s overcoming death!

As we end today, I want you to realize why you engage in self-harm and what the temporary relief is. If you can take those and place them in God’s hands right now, He will give you strength. Giving them over to God means they will not destroy you. You will see the why as lies, and you will be able to feel the what with permanent relief. You will finally see who you really are!

I’ll see you back tomorrow as we check the reality of our world.

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