Finding God’s Love When You Feel Broken

Some people are “quietly” broken. They’ll put a smile on their face and tell you, “I’m fine,” but they feel lonely, depressed and inadequate.

For many, that brokenness began with a trauma that caused them to doubt their worth. Others felt wounded by a parent who wasn’t physically or emotionally available. For these reasons and many others, children become adults who chase the approval of others.

What they need – what we all need – is “The Blessing,” a concept introduced on Focus on the Family decades ago by Dr. John Trent and the late Gary Smalley. They described “The Blessing” as a cry to be seen, valued, loved, and cared for.

“Blessing” is not a familiar term in modern culture. A family may offer a blessing before dinner or say “bless you” after a sneeze, but most of us don’t appreciate the deep, powerful, and life-changing affirmation that a blessing can bring to someone’s life.

No matter what you’ve experienced, God sees you and wants to rescue you. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

On Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, I’m talking with Dr. John Trent and his daughter, Kari Trent Stageberg, about how the concept of “The Blessing” can help those who feel unloved and unwanted understand God’s love, peace, and purpose for their lives.

They identify five key elements:

Meaningful touch.
Spoken words.
Attaching high value.
Picturing a special future.
Genuine commitment.

Want to know more? Tune in for our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you’re struggling with past wounds, we have caring, Christian counselors who will listen, pray with you, and get you on a path toward healing and hope. They’ll also direct you to additional resources in your area if necessary. Call us, leave your name and number, and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Dr. John Trent is a speaker, a bestselling author, and the president and founder of strongfamilies.com. His daughter, Kari Trent Stageberg, is also a writer and speaker who works alongside her dad at strongfamilies.com.

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Dr. John Trent and Kari Trent Stageberg’s book Your Journey from Broken to Blessed: Finding the Love You Didn’t Receive as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).