For the past few weeks, I’ve realized something important—I’ve been centering my thoughts and emotions around my pain. While it’s natural to feel the weight of hurt after trauma, staying focused on that pain has limited my growth. In my journey to Christ-centered empowerment, I’ve learned that it’s time to shift my focus from the pain of my past to the potential of my future. By focusing on my growth and on the life God wants me to live, I’ve begun the journey toward empowerment.
Empowerment Starts With Refocusing
First, true empowerment comes when we shift our attention from pain to purpose. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds me that no matter what challenges or hurt I’ve faced, Christ is my strength, and I am empowered by Him to move forward. By shifting my focus to the life I want to build, instead of the pain I endured, I can truly begin to heal.
What does this look like on a daily basis? It means making decisions that prioritize my well-being. When I’m tempted to dwell on past hurt, I ask myself, “Am I placing my own well-being and growth at the center of my choices?” If the answer is no, I realign my thoughts, choosing instead to focus on the blessings God has for me ahead.
Putting Myself First in a Christ-Centered Way
As I embrace this shift, I’m learning to put myself and my interests first—not out of selfishness, but out of love and respect for the person God created me to be. Matthew 22:39 tells us, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This verse speaks to the importance of self-love as a foundation for loving others. By caring for myself, I am better equipped to serve and love others in Christ’s name.
This involves practical steps. For example, before I make a decision, I ask myself, “Does this action serve my well-being?” Whether it’s how I spend my time or money, how I speak up for myself, or even how I defend my boundaries, I ensure that my interests are aligned with God’s purpose for my life.
Read also : Reclaim Your Power: A Journey from Disempowerment to Purpose
Anchoring in my Identity to Empower My Future
Furthermore, to truly be empowered, I need to be anchored in my identity in Christ. When I know who I am in God’s eyes, I can confidently move forward, knowing that every decision I make propels me closer to the life He has planned for me. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are good, and when I focus on myself in alignment with Him, I am walking toward that future.
To truly understand my interests, I must be rooted in this identity. It’s from this place of confidence and strength in Christ that I can clearly discern which actions move me forward in life and which ones keep me stuck in pain.
Embracing a Life of Empowerment
Choosing to center my life on Christ and my personal growth, rather than my past pain, has allowed me to experience true empowerment. The more I focus on myself, the more I discover who I am in Christ, and the more my life begins to reflect His plans for me. Every day, I remind myself to shift my focus from the pain I’ve carried to the beautiful future God has laid before me.
JOURNAL PROMPTS TO EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH CHRIST
What areas of my life have I been focusing too much on pain, and how has this affected my emotional and spiritual growth? Reflect on specific areas where pain or trauma has taken up space in your thoughts. How has this focus shaped your decisions or limited your progress in life?
What steps can I take to refocus my energy from what I’ve lost to what I can build with God’s strength? Identify areas in your life where you’ve been focusing on loss or grief. How can you redirect your energy toward building something new with Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13)?
In what ways can I show myself love, compassion, and grace as I navigate this journey toward healing and empowerment? Think of concrete ways you can show yourself love, just as Jesus calls us to love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). What acts of kindness or self-care will help you feel empowered?
