Relationships That Flourish: A 30-Day Devotional on Finding Security in Christ and Growing Healthy Connectionsಮಾದರಿ

Navigating relationships can be overwhelming. We bring our past hurts, desires, and sinfulness into each friendship, marriage, dating relationship, and family relationship—and those we are in relationship with carry the same. We struggle to see ourselves and others as God sees, created in His Image. It’s no wonder that truly healthy relationships don’t happen by accident. They are built over time through reflection, surrender, and challenging conversations. Thankfully, we are not left to figure these things out alone.

In today’s scripture, Peter voices praise to God, who gives us a living hope. We understand that hope is a confident expectation that certain things will come. Having a living hope means that we have confidence that because Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected, we have hope that lasts beyond our life and circumstances.

The good news of Jesus is good news for our relationships. His sacrifice—His death and resurrection—makes a way for us to have a relationship with Him and empowers us to have healthy connections with others. We can have hope in Him to redeem even the most broken situations. He promises to be with us through it all. A relationship with Him provides the perfect foundation for building healthy relationships with others. The certainty of hope and a future that is safe in God allows us to freely enter relationships, not needing to prove our worth or find someone who validates that we belong, because we already have that in Jesus.

When we face painful memories that hinder us from deepening our relationships, we have a God who is eager to help. Turning to Him to process our pain, pray for restoration, and find hope for the future is the safest first step. Susannah Baker, author and Bible teacher, has created several prayer guides to support you in this journey. Remember and Rebuild is one of these guides, designed to help you recall past painful memories with God as you seek healing. Be patient with yourself in this process, and reach out to a trusted friend or counselor for support. How can we be empowered to move forward when the trials of life overwhelm us? We remember that we have a hope that lasts beyond this life, a hope of an eternity with God who saved us.

Reflect: What aspect of cultivating healthy relationships feels most daunting? What would it look like for you to seek God’s wisdom in this area?

Pray: God, thank You that You don’t leave me to navigate my relationships on my own. You have made a way for all things to be restored. Help me to seek You first and to find my strength in You.