Have you ever felt invisible in your pain? Like your tears and struggles go unnoticed because you're seen as "the strong one"? I've been there. There's a quiet kind of suffering when the world doesn't see or acknowledge your grief. Emotional abuse, betrayal, and heartbreak are invisible wounds. For me, they left me in a sea of turmoil. The pain of betrayal and the weight of my own shame left me feeling like I was drowning, but no one could understand, and no one seemed to care. Instead of finding support, I was met with misunderstanding and silence.

I cried out to God in those dark moments, feeling utterly alone. And in the midst of my sorrow, He whispered to my heart:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

This verse was a lifeline. It reminded me that, while the world may not always understand or recognise our suffering, God does. He sees us—not just our smiles, our successes, or our outward appearances—but He sees our inner battles, our silent tears, and our deepest wounds. And in that sacred, vulnerable space, He draws near to us.

Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Empathy and Healing

Jesus, in His humanity, experienced betrayal, abandonment, and rejection in ways we can hardly imagine. He knew what it was like to feel misunderstood by those He loved and trusted. He was abandoned by His closest friends in His hour of need, and ultimately, He was betrayed by one of His own disciples. Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crucified, and yet, He didn't respond with bitterness or anger. Instead, He chose forgiveness and healing. His suffering was not for nothing—it was a purposeful act of redemption for our brokenness.

In Matthew 26:39, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying:

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." 

Jesus didn't shy away from His pain. He acknowledged it before God, even asking if there was another way. But ultimately, He surrendered His will to God's plan. This surrender wasn't easy, and it wasn't immediate, but through it, He found healing, strength, and purpose in His suffering. Just like Jesus, we can choose to find purpose in our pain when we surrender it to God.

In my own journey of healing, I had to go through a similar process. I wasn't simply healing from the wounds inflicted by others but also from my own bitterness and anger. Over time, I realised that forgiveness wasn't for the other person—it was for my own peace and freedom.

Seven years later, I received an unexpected apology from the person who had caused me so much pain. By then, I had already let go of the hurt. I had already prayed for them and released the weight of bitterness. God had done the hard work in my heart, and His healing had already begun to bear fruit. The apology wasn't needed to validate my healing, but rather, it was a sweet confirmation that God had restored my soul.

How to Heal When You Feel Alone

Healing is a journey, and though it may seem long, there are steps we can take to move closer to restoration. When we feel abandoned or misunderstood, here are three powerful tools that have helped me in my healing process:

1. Acknowledge Your Pain Before God

God already sees the pain in your heart. He knows your suffering, your confusion, your anger, and your sadness. However, when we bring our pain to Him, we allow Him to step in and begin the healing process. In Psalm 55:22, we are encouraged:

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." 

God invites us to cast our burdens onto Him because He is strong enough to carry them for us. This act of surrender is the first step in moving toward healing. Don't bottle up your feelings; instead, let God help you carry them.

2. Choose to Forgive, Even When It's Hard

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it's a decision. It doesn't mean forgetting the wrong that was done to you, but rather releasing the hold that offense has over you. Forgiveness is a gift to yourself, not the other person. In Colossians 3:13, the Bible teaches us:

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." 

When we choose forgiveness, we are choosing freedom from the prison of bitterness. I'll be honest: forgiveness was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. It took time and a lot of prayer, but it was one of the most healing decisions I could have made. God doesn't expect us to forgive on our own; He gives us the grace to do so.

3. Pray for Those Who Hurt You

This step may seem impossible at first, but it is one of the most transformative ways God works in our hearts. When we pray for our enemies and those who have wronged us, it softens our hearts toward them and opens the door for God's healing to flow in. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:44:

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." 

Praying for those who hurt us doesn't change them—it changes us. It changes our perspective. It allows us to see them through God's eyes and to release the bitterness that can poison our hearts. God's love has the power to heal not only our wounds but also to begin transforming the hearts of those who have wronged us.

Real-Life Application: Letting God Heal Your Wounds

Healing from emotional wounds isn't easy, and it often doesn't happen overnight. But I've learned that God's presence is the greatest comfort during this journey. As we continue to walk in His light, He gradually restores what was lost and transforms what was broken.

As you reflect on your own heartache, ask yourself: What wounds have I been holding onto? How can I bring them before God for healing today? Maybe you're struggling with abandonment, betrayal, or shame. Perhaps you've been holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness. Whatever the pain, know that God sees it, He understands it, and He is working to heal and restore you.

God's love and healing are not dependent on our circumstances. His healing power is constant, and He can restore even the deepest, most hidden wounds. Trust Him to do what only He can do—heal, restore, and make you whole.

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Devotional: God Sees, Heals, and Restores the Brokenhearted