Encouragement for Today

March 20, 2025 I Survived. And So Will You. LYSA TERKEURST Lee en español

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

A couple of years ago, the team at Proverbs 31 Ministries was brainstorming a new T-shirt concept. Once it was designed, printed and delivered, it was time to photograph the T-shirt for the bookstore. And I volunteered.

I’m not usually the one who raises her hand and says, “I’ll volunteer to model that shirt!” Nope. Modeling is not my thing. But this shirt featured words that felt so personal to me: “known and loved.”

“Known and loved” had been an anthem drumming in the background during some really hard days when I wondered if I’d survive my circumstances. And I knew a picture of me wearing this truth would be a good way to declare what I desperately wanted to feel.

Because instead of feeling known and loved, I felt forgotten and tossed aside. I needed a reminder to turn to God, open up His Word, and listen to praise songs. When I did those things, I could hear the anthem of God’s voice rising above the chaos: Lysa, you are known and so very loved by Me. Trust Me. Turn to Me. Hold on to Me. God held me when I could barely hang on, and He reminded me what was true when I was tempted to forget.

I survived. And so will you. What’s happened to you hasn’t changed who you are.

I don’t know who in your life has told you that you are anything less than the most glorious creation of the almighty God. I don’t know who has spoken words over you and about you that have stripped you bare and broken your heart. But I do know any statements spoken to you that come against the truth must be called a lie.

God’s Word is the Truth. And His Truth says you are a holy and dearly loved child of your heavenly Father.

You are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
You are a treasure (1 Peter 2:9).
You are beautiful (1 Peter 3:4).
You are fully known by Him and lavishly loved by Him (Psalm 139:1-4).
You are chosen (Ephesians 1:11).
You are special (Ephesians 2:10).
You are full of purpose (Romans 8:28).
You are set apart (2 Timothy 2:21).

Even if you don’t always feel like these things are true. Even if you don’t feel known or understood. Our feelings aren’t always an accurate assessment of what’s true. Cling to the words of our key verse today: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). Release the lies you’ve believed that make you feel less than who you are, and set your mind and heart on God's Truth.

Oh, sweet sister, we must remember God’s words. Repeat God’s words. Believe God’s words with our whole hearts.

Jesus, thank You for the Truth-filled words of Scripture that are always there to remind me who I am. When my insecurities rise up or hurtful comments from others threaten to disrupt the Truth in me, help me believe I am known and loved. Cared for and prayed for. Chosen and cherished. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

The woman who thrives in life isn’t the one who never has her heart broken. She’s the one who plants her brokenness in the rich soil of her faith in God and waits with anticipation to see what good thing He will grow next. If you need help experiencing this in your own life, Lysa TerKeurst created a new journaling experience called The Trust Journey just for you. Complete with reflection questions, guided exercises, Bible verses, a hope-filled playlist, prayers, beautiful photography and more, The Trust Journey is your space to start healing. Buy now!

ENGAGE

Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us” (NIV).

Knowing how loved you are by God, would you consider reaching out to another hurting soul today? How could you extend the love of Christ to a friend, neighbor or family member right now?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2025 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.