Day 3: Lay Down Your Quick Fixes And Defenses

The Lord protects us and watches over our lives (Psalm 121:7). In tough times, we often rely on our strength, but true peace comes when we surrender control to God. The childhood trauma I endured as a little girl from my mother’s battle with a mental illness left the adult me struggling with rejection, abandonment, and trust issues. These had me on defense for my safety and security in every relationship - even in my relationship with God. I can remember coming to a crossroads in my healing journey with God where I had to recognize that my safety was now in God, I had to let go of my defenses and trust God for my healing after years of childhood trauma, rejection, abandonment, and trust issues. It wasn't easy, but God's love purifies and brings lasting change. Just like the Samaritan woman, who initially defended herself countless times as Jesus offered her the gift of redemption. She too wanted to rely on all she knew - her reputation, her past, her day-in-day-out routine. But Jesus offered her something beyond all of that - a life with Him. This was something that would call her out of defense and into a life transformed by God. We too can discover the transformative power of God's love when we let go of our defenses and let Him fight our battles.

Reflection: Reflect on areas of your life where you've built defenses. How have these defenses affected your peace and well-being? Pray about releasing them to God today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I surrender my defenses to You today. Help me trust that You want to care for me and fight my battles. Guide me to a life of peace, free from fear and worry. In Jesus' name, Amen.