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 to 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 He 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 on the heart, and He knows us better than we know ourselves. If you are one of His black sheep, your brightest days are still ahead of you!

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: For those participating in the Creation Photography weekly themes, here is this week's challenge from group leader, Dianna Wyles: John 11:25-26 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?' ~ 'Precious Gifts From God' or 'A Sacred Space' will be our next fun theme and, as always, is wide open for some creative interpretation We also encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week reflect just a few things I consider gifts from God or sacred spaces. Family of course (one of greatest gifts), the gift of capturing wildlife and nature, all those beautiful heart blessings, and some of the little sacred spaces my heart holds dear. Have an amazing week everyone! May the Lord's precious gifts and sacred spaces be your daily joy ~ God bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers

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