A Way Out

When I became a mental health counselor, I had no idea what to expect.

What unfolded was difficult to accept but forever changed the way I

viewed others. I learned firsthand that some people who might appear

happy in their everyday life are actually experiencing mistreatment from

those they trust most.

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From the outside, we might never dream that others in our lives are

undergoing such strife. I say this only to acknowledge that enduring a

harmful situation anywhereat home, on a sports team, or even at churchis

sometimes a reality. If this reality has crept into your world, or a

friend’s, please seek help! Reach out to a favorite teacher, school

counselor, or another trusted adult. There IS a way out, and you don’t need

to go it alone. Yes, it’s hard to bring dark things into the lightand more

than one try is sometimes requiredbut remember: God knows the tRuth Even

the darkness will not be dark to you [God] for darkness is as light to

you (Psalm 139:12).

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Life can be unfair, unjust, and painful. However, hope and healing and

restoration are also real. So, for whoever may be suffering, do not bear

this heaviness alone. Jesus always calls us to carry one another’s burdens

(Galatians 6:2).

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Moreover, Jesus knows unjust suffering toothrust on Him by

others’ wrongdoing (Isaiah 53). He truly understands our pain. And though

our situation may remain unexplained, God, the Eternal One, knows the way

that [we] take, and He extends His everlasting arms to us (Job 23:10;

Deuteronomy 33:27), creating hope where once there was none, promising us

His presence, and promising

that the world will one day be made right through His death and

resurrection (Revelation 21:1-5). G. Kam Congleton

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Read Psalm 72:14, Proverbs 11:9, and 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. God is not

okay with injustice and mistreatment. If you are experiencing

mistreatmentwhether it be verbal, physical, sexual, or neglectful in

natureplease reach out for help. In addition to telling a trusted adult,

and if you don’t already have a therapist, one option is to use the Focus

on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP

(4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an

appointment. In Canada, call 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

(Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

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Even the darkness will not be dark to you for darkness is as light to

you. Psalm 139:12 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Psalm 18:28; Psalm 34:18; Micah 7:7-Micah 7:8; Psalm 139:12