Many believers do not struggle with believing in God.
They struggle with believing God could think kindly of them.
Abuse, betrayal, bullying, neglect—these experiences do more than hurt us. They reshape our internal language. Over time, pain becomes interpretation: This must be what I’m worth.
Scripture confronts that distortion directly.
“You are precious in My eyes, and honored, and I love you.” — Isaiah 43:4
God does not say this to the healed, the confident, or the impressive.
He says it to a people who were displaced, broken, and ashamed.
Trauma Changes Self-Perception, Not Truth
Psychology confirms what Scripture has long revealed: repeated harm conditions the mind. When someone is constantly diminished, the brain learns to expect rejection.
But learned beliefs are not ultimate truths.
Paul writes:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
The renewing of the mind is not motivational thinking—it is truth replacing trauma-informed lies.
How God Defines You
God does not define you by what happened to you, or what others projected onto you.
- “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
- “You are God’s workmanship.” — Ephesians 2:10
- “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
Condemnation says: You are the problem.
Conviction says: You are loved enough to be restored.
When Shame Feels More Real Than Scripture
Shame feels convincing because it is experienced, not because it is accurate.
Jesus addressed this when He restored Peter—not with accusation, but with calling:
“Do you love Me? Feed My sheep.” — John 21
Jesus did not rehearse Peter’s failure. He reaffirmed his purpose.
Learning to Agree With God
Healing often begins with a difficult but holy discipline:
agreeing with God instead of your inner critic.
This is not denial of pain. It is refusal to let pain have final authority.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18
Nearness implies presence, not disgust.
Attention, not avoidance.
A Gentle Invitation
If you have been taught—by words or wounds—that you are small, unworthy, or disposable, hear this carefully:
God does not see you through the lens of what was done to you.
He sees you through the lens of redemption.
And redemption always restores value before function.
You are not tolerated.
You are not a project.
You are known, seen, and loved.