The Lord Is Near
Sooner or later, every home hurts. Some pain comes from outside: a diagnosis, a death, an empty cradle. Some comes from within: a husband's rage, a son's rebellion, a parent who no longer knows your name. If your home is hurting today, this page is for you, and your hurting does not make you a bad Christian.
Call 911, and get to a safe place. You do not need anyone's permission. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-422-4453. If you are thinking of ending your life, call or text 988. Then tell a pastor or someone you trust, and keep telling until someone acts.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”PSALM 34:18 · KJV
God does not promise a home without pain. He promises Himself. There is a difference between comfort and relief. God does not always give relief, but He always gives comfort. Paul calls Him the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). He does not comfort us from a distance. He dwells in every believer by the Comforter, His Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17).
Where is God when the home hurts? Scripture's answer is that He is closer than you think, and He has not left you alone.
Loading the rest of this article
For Deeper Study
- Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping VictimsAmazon Darby A. StricklandA careful guide for pastors and friends from a biblical counselor. Reformed in outlook.
- Mending the SoulAmazon Steven R. TracyA sober, hopeful guide to the harm of abuse and the path of healing. Evangelical.
- When Empty Arms Become a Heavy BurdenAmazon Sandra Glahn and William CutrerEncouragement for couples facing infertility and loss, from a Bible teacher who has lived it and a Christian physician. Evangelical.
- Holding On to HopeAmazon Nancy GuthrieA short walk through Job by a mother who buried two children. Evangelical.
- The Smart StepfamilyAmazon Ron L. DealPractical wisdom for blended families from a Christian family therapist.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
As an Amazon Associate, Theologica earns from qualifying purchases.
Husbands and Wives
Husbands and wives are equal in worth and different in role: a husband leads by laying down his life as Christ did, and a wife willingly honors that leadership as unto the Lord, never by joining in sin or tolerating abuse.
Open Doctrine