By Dr. Jason Robinson

Let me start by saying this…there are no perfect families. Yes, you read that correctly. Those perfectly edited family photos that seem to flood our social media accounts during the summer months, holidays, family getaways, dance recitals, soccer games, and practically every other family event you can think of are, in a sense, fake. Well, they may not be fake. But those photos do not tell the family’s whole story. They are nothing more than highlight reels.

SO GO AHEAD AND TAKE A BREATH.

You see, it is not just your family. It is every family. Every family deals with something…financial difficulties, prodigals, broken promises, toxic relationships, unhealthy influences, or just some old family baggage that has been carried around for far too long. If you can name it, I promise other families have dealt with it.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Below you will find 10 scriptures to encourage you during those seasons when your heart is heavy, and you just need God to step in and help heal what is broken. Please allow these scriptures to resonate in your spirit and always cling to His promises. Cry out to the Lord. Flood your home with worship. Fast and pray.

EVEN WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE IT, GOD IS AT WORK.

• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

• You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

• This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So, there is hope for your descendants,” declares the Lord. “Your children will return to their own land.” (Jeremiah 31:16-17)

• For no word from God will ever fail. (Luke 1:37)

• Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

• Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

• Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

•  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

• Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

In closing, please remember this. God will turn it around for good. This is not your final chapter. His Word is true, and He loves you more than you could even imagine. This test will become part of a testimony to help others make it through. Be encouraged, my friend. Your story is still being written.

GOD’S GOT THIS AND HE’S GOT YOU.

Dr. Jason Robinson is an Associate Professor of Education at Lee University in southeast Tennessee. Jason is a local, state, and national award-winning educator who has a passion for teaching and equipping the next generation of leaders. He and his family reside in Cleveland, Tennessee.