Finding the Light in Self-HarmSample

DAY 7

THE HEART

It’s great to see you back here for our last day studying self-harm this week. I know it has been a difficult week, and perhaps you are still trying to process most of it. That is ok. It takes time to break through the tough stuff in our lives sometimes. These studies are here as a tool to help you process a little each day.

This week we have spent time understanding the why and the what of self-harming behavior. Typically, self-harm results from a negative self-image, perhaps caused by past negative experiences. Also, those who engage in self-harming behaviors emotionally receive temporary relief.

We have studied Scripture that tells us we are perfectly made, and in our weakness, God is triumphant. From the beginning of time, God has never let His faithful believers be destroyed.

We have also found that since self-harming behaviors are part of a repetitive negative cycle, we need to replace them with repetitive positive ones. Therefore, a negative self-image must be replaced daily with a positive self-image—God’s truth in making us perfect. We also need to replace our temporary relief with the permanent relief of Jesus by our side and God’s Holy Spirit within us, providing strength. A reminder of this can be done physically by using a song, verse, or new hobby as a reinforcement. You must choose your own physical replacement so that it fits your needs.

Today, I want to remind you of something Scripture tells us about our hearts and minds.

10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:10)

It’s the heart that matters to God. He knows our minds are where the enemy tests us. We can be easily manipulated into thinking that lies are true.

Our hearts are what hold God’s Holy Spirit. It is there where He dwells, and our bodies become His Holy Place. To overcome the enemy’s tactics on our minds, we must allow God’s truth to break us free from the manipulation.

It is God’s truth that will help us find the light.

I pray over you today for peace and invite you to join me on another 3 Minutes A Day Series as we seek to understand other mental health topics alongside Scripture.

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