Hurting and Need Hope? God’s Presence Is the Place That Heals Everything
Do you ever find yourself hurting so deeply that hope feels out of reach? Maybe the weight of rejection, loss, or fear makes it hard to believe things could ever change. Friend, I’ve been there. And what I discovered in that dark season is this: hope isn’t found in perfect circumstances. Hope is found in the Presence of God.
My Story: When Hurt Overwhelmed Hope
About four years ago, I found myself in a very dark place. Even after following Jesus for twelve years, suicidal thoughts crossed my mind more than once. I was hurting in ways I couldn’t explain.
Part of that pain came from my relationship with my earthly father. After my mom passed away, I hoped we could finally build closeness. Instead, our relationship felt tense and unfulfilling. That unhealed wound reopened old feelings of rejection, and hopelessness started to take root.
During that season, a dear friend gave me a book that changed everything: The Pleasure of His Company by Dutch Sheets. This simple yet powerful resource reminded me that the healing I was craving wasn’t going to come from fixing my circumstances — it was going to come from cultivating intimacy with God.
Why God’s Presence Heals
God isn’t chasing you to punish you — He’s pursuing you with unconditional love to give you hope. He doesn’t want shallow religious loyalty; He wants your company.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He told them to begin with one word: Father. That single word changed everything. It was radical then, and it’s radical now. It reminds us that God doesn’t need our performance. He longs for our presence.
Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. Just like with a close friend or spouse, the more time you spend with God, the more you reflect His character. And as you rest in His presence, He rewrites despair into hope, lies into truth, and rejection into belonging.
Science + Scripture Agree
Scripture promises peace in His presence:
“In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” (John 15:4)
Science affirms this too: slowing your breathing calms the nervous system, worship boosts oxytocin (the bonding hormone), and secure attachment to God lowers distress.
The more of God you have, the more hope you find:
More of God, less hurt.
More of God, less fear.
More of God, more peace.
His presence is guaranteed. There are no locked doors. If you show up, He’s already there.
A Practical Tool: The N.E.A.R. Reset
So how do you actually draw near to God when you’re hurting? I use a simple tool called N.E.A.R. to God — rooted in Scripture and science to help you quiet your mind and rediscover hope.
N — Nestle into stillness. Slow your breathing. Be still. (Psalm 46:10)
E — Enter with Scripture. Read a verse slowly. (Psalm 27:4)
A — Attend to His nearness. Picture Jesus with you. Rest there.
R — Respond. End with gratitude and one request.
Just ten minutes practicing N.E.A.R. can begin to rewire your thoughts and renew your hope.
👉 Want the guide? Join the free Mind Renewal Solutions Made Simple Facebook Community and download the N.E.A.R. Reset resource.
Your Transformation Challenge
This week, when hurt rises up, practice the N.E.A.R. Reset. Three minutes, ten minutes, or twenty minutes — whatever you can do. Write down one shift you notice as you spend time in His presence. Over time, those moments will grow into hope-filled habits.
Final Encouragement
Friend, your hurt does not disqualify you. God’s presence is your safe place, your fortress, your healing. He doesn’t want perfection — He wants you.
🙏 Prayer
“Father, for every hurting heart reading this right now, I ask You to fill them with Your presence and with hope. Quiet their anxious thoughts, heal their hidden wounds, and remind them that You are near. Thank You that Your presence truly is the place that heals everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
✨ Want to Go Deeper?
🎧 Listen now: Day One of Sobriety Podcast — Episode 17
👥 Join the free Mind Renewal Solutions Made Simple Facebook Community and grab the N.E.A.R. Reset resource.
📖 Explore more encouragement on the Day One of Sobriety Blog
⚠ Disclaimer
The Day One of Sobriety blog and podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your physician or doctor for all medical advice and counsel.
