The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:17-19 WEB.

I grew up as the least of my family, who happened to be the least of another family. I was the youngest of thirteen children and a stepchild on top of that. Every day after Dad left for work, my stepmom made it clear that I did not belong there, and as long as she lived, I never would.

Have you ever felt like the black sheep in the family? Made some mistakes, or maybe like me, you are the mistake, and they never want you to forget it? After enough pain, we become closed off from the world. Yet, being desensitized is not the answer, for when you can no longer feel pain, you can no longer feel love.

God can heal the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3). So be encouraged, for Jesus has friends in low places. He found me there. Jesus redeemed me, added me to His family, and healed my heart. It took time. He took up the cause of troubled and hurting people, and He will take your burden today if you let Him.

Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life. What you have been in the past is gone, and you get to decide who you will be from this day forward. God looks at our hearts and knows us better than we know ourselves. If you are one of His black sheep, your brightest days are still ahead!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I believe that You are there for me. When the world looks the other way, You still look my way. Please help me see the world through Your eyes. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Just a reminder that our Wednesday mid-week service is now happening at 10:30am and not 3pm. Hope to see y'all there! As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.