In the series "Heart Of The Father" we will discover deeper truths about who God is, how to put our full trust in Him, and how to heal from past wounds that hold us back.
The Fathers Heart is to see ours healed.
Part 5: Thats my dad!
Our God is a good father. The Creator of the universe sees us, hears us, and opens His arms to us! God promises that we will find Him every time we ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK —
and as we discover who He is, we begin to learn who we are.
Apply:
Watch Sermon 5 and think about the following questions. (Journaling your answers is encouraged)
Question One:
What holds you back from asking and seeking God?
Question Two:
How can we overcome any lingering fear or anxiety that is keeping us from approaching our Heavenly Father?
Reflect:
As we heal from the past and establish healthy patterns for the future, it's good to take an emotional evaluation of how we currently feel. While we don't live by our emotions, they are a helpful guide to evaluating our current mental, physical, and spiritual state.
How do you currently feel?
Anxious, insecure, uncertain, sad... Take a moment to evaluate your current emotional state.
Whats on your mind?
Rehearsing or chewing on something from the past? Often times we find ourselves unable to move forward because of an emotional hangup in the past.
What are you afraid of?
What we're scared of often holds power over our ability to live emotionally healthy and free. Identifying what scares you is a good first step to shifting patterns and strongholds.
What are you carrying?
We all carry baggage. Our responses can be a result of what we're still carrying. Past trauma, broken relationships, rejection, and other emotional weights have a real effect on our present moment.
What can you let go of?
Sometimes our emotions rule over us without constraint. It's okay to admit feeling out of control when it comes to your emotions, but you don't have to navigate the waters alone.
Emotional Map:
You may feel one or multiple of these emotions. If so, God promises real comfort and healing. Examine your emotions and learn more about God's promise to you.
ANXIETY
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
FEAR
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
GUILT
John 3:17
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved”
Ephesians 1:7
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”
SADNESS
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
SHAME
Isaiah 1:18
“ ‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ ” says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool’ ”
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”
UNCERTAINTY
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
WEARINESS
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jeremiah 31:25
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.
Keep Going:
Beyond your own discovery, we've compiled some key resources to help you on the journey. Contentment is found when realizing we're always a work in progress.
If you wish to purchase a book to continue your journey but are in need of financial assistance, Faith Center may be able to help. Let us know how we can help by using the "Share" form below.
Share Your Story
Has the heart of God The Father brought healing to your own heart? Perhaps you started with a false perspective of The Good Father? Relational wounds from past experiences? Generational patterns that are less than what God has for you? Whatever your story or experience, our faith is built as we reflect on God's faithfulness in our lives.
Share your story of redemption below.
Prayer:
Healing from your past is easier in community and with the power of prayer. Don't walk this journey alone. Pray with a partner, pastor, or a friend. If you are interested, you can share a prayer request with the Faith Center lead team in the form below and we commit to be partnering with you in prayer.