Finding Hope When the Struggle Comes and Goes
What does the Bible say about self-harm? It’s a question many Christians ask when they’re struggling or walking alongside someone who is. While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention self-harm as we know it today, it has much to say about our worth, God’s compassion, and the hope he offers to broken hearts.
I wish I could tell you that once I began healing from anxiety and depression, every difficult thought disappeared forever. That simply hasn’t been my experience.
For me, the struggle isn’t constant. It comes and goes.
There are days when I feel strong, hopeful, and at peace. Then there are moments when the negative thoughts unexpectedly return, reminding me that healing isn’t always linear. Some days they are quiet whispers; other days they feel much heavier. When they do return, I remind myself that one difficult day, or even one difficult week, doesn’t erase the healing God has already been doing in my life. Recovery isn’t always a straight line, and neither is my walk with Christ. Yet through every setback, God remains faithful, continuing the work He began in me.
God Sees the Pain Behind the Struggle
One of the biggest lies depression and emotional pain tell us is that we are alone.
The truth is, God sees every tear, every anxious thought, and every battle that no one else knows about. He isn’t surprised by our struggles, and he doesn’t turn away because we’re hurting.
Psalm 34:18 (NLT) reminds us:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
I love this verse because it doesn’t say God only comes near after we’ve fixed ourselves.
He comes near while we’re broken.
Our Bodies Have Value Because God Created Us
Although Scripture doesn’t directly mention self-harm, it teaches us that our bodies matter.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NLT) says:
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
For a long time, I read this verse as another reminder of what I should be doing.
Now I read it differently.
Instead of hearing condemnation, I hear God reminding me that I am valuable. My body isn’t valuable because I feel worthy every day. It’s valuable because he created me, loves me, and paid the highest price to redeem me.
The Thoughts May Return, But So Does God’s Grace
One thing I’ve learned is that healing doesn’t always mean never struggling again.
Sometimes healing looks like recognizing the thoughts for what they are instead of believing them.
Sometimes healing looks like opening my Bible when my mind is racing.
Sometimes healing looks like putting on praise and worship music.
Sometimes healing looks like texting someone I trust, praying through tears, or simply making it through one more day.
The thoughts may come.
But God’s grace comes too.
Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT) says:
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Every morning is another reminder that God hasn’t given up on me.
Faith and Professional Help Can Go Together
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that trusting God and accepting help are not opposites.
During one of the many hard seasons of my life, my anxiety and depression became so overwhelming that I needed to step away from work to focus on healing. That season included medication adjustments, spending more time in therapy, practicing the coping skills, and reconnecting with God through Bible study and prayer.
Looking back, I don’t see those things competing with one other.
I see them working together.
God often works through doctors, counselors, medication, supportive friends, and our spiritual family, just as he works through his Word.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weak faith.
Sometimes it’s an act of faith.
You Are Not Your Thoughts
This is something I have to remind myself often.
Just because a thought enters my mind doesn’t mean it’s true.
Just because I struggle doesn’t mean I’ve failed God.
Just because healing isn’t perfect doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
Romans 8:38–39 (NLT) reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God—not our fears, not our struggles, and not our darkest days.
His love remains steady even when my emotions don’t.
A Prayer for Anyone Struggling Today
Heavenly Father,
You know the thoughts I don’t always know how to explain. Thank you for loving me even on the days when I feel weak and overwhelmed. Help me remember that my worth comes from you and not from my emotions. When painful thoughts come, remind me that they don’t define who I am. Draw close to me as you promised you would, and give me the strength to choose hope one moment at a time. Lead me toward the people and the help I need and help me never believe the lie that I’m alone. Thank you for your endless mercy and unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this because you’re struggling too, I want you to know something I continue reminding myself:
The thoughts don’t always last.
The difficult days don’t always stay.
And your story isn’t over.
Keep talking to God, even when your prayers are only a few words. Keep reaching out to trusted people who can walk beside you. Keep believing that healing is possible, even if it comes one small step at a time.
God isn’t waiting for you to become “less broken” before he loves you.
He loves you right here, right now.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of hurting yourself, please know you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or a crisis service in your area. Asking for help is a courageous step, and your life has immeasurable value.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of self-harm or feeling overwhelmed, please remember that you don’t have to carry this alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, or visit website to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
No matter what you’re facing today, there is hope, and there are people who want to help you.
Many Blessings,
Lisa Marie
Faith. Hope. Healing.
You are never alone ✝︎
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Hi! I’m Lisa!
I’m so glad you’re here. I created She Rises Above to encourage women walking through anxiety, depression, and life’s difficult seasons with the hope we have in Christ. I write from both my own experiences and my faith, believing that God meets us with grace, hope, and healing. My prayer is that every article points you closer to Jesus and reminds you that you are deeply loved and never alone.
