Book Reflection: Abide Ch. 2
“If we can’t see the deep brokenness in the story of our own lives, the places we need to be saved, then we won’t experience our deep need for a Savior, and we likely won’t allow Jesus to save us and set us free.”
Heather Khym
Chapter 2: We Have a Story
Do you ever feel like you are barely surviving instead of thriving? Living in survival mode for an extended period can normalize this way of living. But do we realize that we were made for more than just surviving?
It is challenging to move forward in life and achieve our goals when there are things in our past that hold us back. These areas of our lives may not always be apparent to us. As we continue our journey through Abide by Heather Khym this week, I share my reflection on Chapter 2, which focuses on allowing God to reveal to us where we need healing and to come into our brokenness to restore us.
Scripture in John 10:10 reminds us, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the fullest."
In the narrative of salvation, God shared His story with us through Jesus. Our lives become a part of this story of salvation, where there are moments of trial and triumph. At times, we may carry deep trauma and wounds from our past or present, leading to patterns in our reactions, thoughts, and decisions aimed at self-protection, but these patterns can hinder us from truly living and experiencing truth. Therefore, we must identify the lies and declare God’s truth over our lives, viewing our lives through a His lens.
In reaction to our wounds, we may tend to shut down or escape, engaging in self-protection due to the fear of past experiences recurring. Yet, avoiding pain only prolongs it, as someone once said, "If we don’t relieve the pain, we will relive it."
God desires to free us and heal us from our brokenness. The wounds from past experiences are not our fault, and although we can’t change what happened, we can transform how we respond and heal them. God doesn’t discard any part of our life, even the painful parts. He brings something new from them.
Heather discusses four common reactions to past wounds:
Diminishment: This involves downplaying the severity of an experience, which can lead to triggers that bring past pain into the present. By avoiding the root of the emotion, Jesus can't come and heal us unless we will it.
Dissociation: This reaction involves disassociating with a memory, pretending it never happened. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors and the need for change. Seeking Jesus can reveal these areas and bring restoration.
Perpetual Victimhood: This reaction involves identifying ourselves as victims, allowing past wounds to define our lives. God sees us as His children, and our trials become our testimony, not our identity.
Naivete: This reaction involves not recognizing our wounds or understanding what we need to thrive. We are called to know our need for God to be healed and live the full life He intends for us.
We are more than our past wounds; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us. In Jesus, we find the satisfaction of our needs and longing, offering new life from our woundedness. He desires to make all things new in our lives. Will we let Him?
ponder
What is one negative and one positive event from your past that you would say changed everything?
Where does God want to come and heal you?
Note: The Amazon links are affiliate links supporting meek & humble.
