With heavy hearts as we remember the travesty of 9/11 that we experienced in 2001, may we keep in mind the words of comfort that our Savior offers us today: “He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted….to set at liberty them that are bruised…” (Luke 4:18)

I am reminded of Tamar. She was the daughter of the valiant King, David. She was also a rape victim. Today if you, like her, feel you were ever exploited or taken advantage of and cheated out of something precious to you, take heart in the words of our Savior. For He said He came to heal those who are broken hearted and to grant freedom to those who are captive.

If you are feeling like damaged goods, what the Master is saying to you is: “I will heal you and deliver you; I will renew you and release you of your bondage!” Tamar’s future was by far greater than her past because she was a child of the King – and so are you! You are entitled to be an over-comer even though you have been through the mill because you are the blood-bought possession of Jesus Christ. The recovery He has promised will begin when you learn to live in the present and not dwell on your victimized past. “He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted….to set at liberty them that are bruised…” (Luke 4:18)

Right now, you can choose to allow the warmth and love of God to touch the hurting places in the core of your being. Leave all your hurtful secrets and pain with Him. The enemy of our soul desires to rein destruction on you through the heartache you once experienced, but God desires to restore you like it never happened. The divine plan of God for you is restoration and not destruction. He desires to deliver and restore you so you can grow from glory to glory in Him.

Tamar survived through her tragedy and so can you! That is reason for celebration. Begin to thank God that you made it! Through faith in Jesus, accept deliverance and restoration. As you seek the Master’s face, you can receive recovery for the loss and anguish you have suffered at the hands of your abuser. God is able to restore what the locust has eaten in your life. As you walk prayerfully in obedience, He will heal your broken places and rebuild you. Like Tamar, as you pray, your future too will be greater than your past.