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Where was God when this happened to me?: He was there—He sees everything (Prov. 15:3)

Didn't He care? Yes, He did and still does (Nah. 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:6, 7).

How could a loving God allow this to happen? God gave His creations freedom of choice. He did not make people like puppets (Deut. 30:15-20).

Does the Lord understand how I feel? Yes, more than anyone (Is. 53:3; Heb. 4:15).

Is recovery possible? With God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). Yes, He wants to bring healing to you (Jer. 17:14).

How can I be healed? Trust God to be faithful to His Word (Ps. 18:25).

Where do I begin? God hears you— confess your hurt (Ps. 34:17, 18). Give your hurt to Him (1 Pet. 5:7). Forgive the one who has grieved you (Col. 3:13).

Isn't forgiveness difficult? Yes, but what God commands you to do, He will equip you to do (1 Thess. 5:24). Realize that God has forgiven you (Eph. 4:32). Recognize that forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation-the former is something you are called to do; the latter is something that requires the offender's repentance.

Then what do I do? Don't take revenge— God will deal with the violator (Rom. 12:19). Look ahead rather than being controlled by the past (Is. 43:18, 19). Look for the good that will come out of the bad (Rom. 8:28).

When will I heal? Healing of deep hurt takes time (Eccl. 3:3). It is a process of:

facing the harm (Ps. 51:6)

acknowledging your feelings (Eccl. 3:4-8)

applying God's truth from His Word (Ps. 107:20)

working with wise counselors and caring friends to deal with ongoing hurts