Today’s post concludes a 3 part series of truth statements for parents with broken hearts. Altogether I’ve shared 15 with you. I turn to these statements for comfort and strength when I’m worn out from the stress of the journey I’m on as the mom of a recovering addict.

These are the things I believe in and depend on in any trial. They bring comfort and peace to my heart, mind and soul. They help me keep an eternal perspective on my problems. It’s easy to become short-sighted.

If you’re the parent of a son or daughter who has a problem with alcohol or drugs, an eating disorder or any other self-injuring behavior, sexual identity issues, a mental illness (brain disorder), or any kind of challenging problem, then you know how brutally difficult it is. I hope the rest of my list uplifts you and increases your faith:

8)  My pain has a purpose. I may not know what it is at the moment. My part is to trust God and wait. (Ephesians 3:20; Romans 8:28)

9)  God’s love for me is unfailing. Nothing can ever separate me from it. He’s not mad at me. He’s not punishing me. He’ll never turn away. (Psalm 107:8;  Romans 8:39)

10) God cares about my pain. He weeps with me. He collects my tears. One day He will wipe them all away and I’ll never cry again.  (Revelation 7:17)

11)  God will provide the wisdom I need. He’ll lead me to what I need, when I need it. His timing is perfect. (James 1:5)

12) My suffering is temporary. It won’t last forever, even though it feels like it will.  (Psalm 30:5)

13) God gives me peace, even in the midst of trouble and heartache.  (Philippians 4:7)

14) God is still good, no matter what my circumstances are.  (Psalm 27:13; 145:9)

15) I can still have joy, even when I’m hurting and nothing is resolved.  (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

I encourage you to make a list (feel free to borrow from mine). Think about it. What truths help you during trials?

Write them on an index card or a sheet of paper.

Put your list where you can look at it often. We need constant reminders when things are hard and we see no signs of change. This can be a long, lonely, discouraging path with your child. It’s easy to become worn out. These truths sustained me and kept me going. They can do the same for you. Try it. If it helped me, it could do the same for you.

 

**I wanted to share another song with you that comforts me: Worn by Tenth Avenue North. Let it be your prayer as you listen. These are some of the words.

I’m tired, I’m worn, my heart is heavy

From the work it takes to keep on breathing.

I’ve made mistakes, I’ve let my hope fail.

My soul feels crushed, by the weight of this world.

And I know that you can give me rest . . .

 

My prayers are running thin . . .

I’m worn even before the day begins, I’ve lost my will to fight

I’m worn, so heaven come and flood my eyes.

 

Chorus:

Let me see Redemption win

Let me know the struggle ends

You can mend a heart that’s frail and torn.

I wanna know a song can rise,

From the ashes of a broken life,

And all that’s dead inside can be reborn.

 

Yes, all that’s dead inside can be reborn.

Though I’m worn . . . yeah, I’m worn.

 

Dear mom or dad, God understands and He cares about you.