Today's reading

“Well, my sister, keep quiet for now, since he’s your brother. Don’t you worry about it.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in her brother Absalom’s house. –2 Samuel 13:20 NLT

August 10, 2021

Tamar’s Story Mattered

“Well, my sister, keep quiet for now, since he’s your brother. Don’t you worry about it.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in her brother Absalom’s house. –2 Samuel 13:20 NLT

No matter how dysfunctional King David’s family was and Tamar’s call to silence, God made sure that Tamar’s story was recorded in His Book for a reason. Perhaps God documented it for you to realize that the things that may have taken place in your past—abuse, abandonment, lack of affection—were not your fault. God does not desire you to be filled with bitterness or depression because of your secrecy. The Lord can’t heal your heart if you don’t allow Him entrance into what wounded you. You may feel unloved and unlovable right now, but God loves you! God does not want you to remain a disheartened person like Tamar; He wants you to live a victorious, joyful life. Open your heart to the Lord so He can heal you from the injustices that have injured you and warped your self-esteem. He’ll polish your heart with His love and grace, and move you toward forgiveness. As you and God work together to restore your dignity, you will fulfill your God-ordained destiny.

prayer focuses

Ask God to heal your heart from what you have been trying to hide from Him and others.

Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the courage to speak to someone about your secrets.

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about the

Author

Barbara Alpert

Barbara was a wife, mother, and grandma who sought to love the LORD with all her heart, soul & strength. She has authored several books for adults and children. She has enjoyed mentoring other writers and seeing them turn their manuscripts into published masterpieces for God's glory. She believed that every person has a God-story within them to be told and shared. Barbara passed away peacefully in November 2023, but Bayside continues to remember and honor her legacy by sharing devotionals written by her in order to inspire and encourage others.