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 anywhere—at home, on a sports team, or even at church—is
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 light—and more
than one try is sometimes required—but 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 too—thrust 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
mistreatment—whether it be verbal, physical, sexual, or neglectful in
nature—please 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