From Struggle to Strength: Finding Healing and Restoration in Psalm 106

When we walk through the valleys of life, it can often feel like we’re surrounded by darkness, lost in the weight of past struggles and traumas. Yet, just as the psalmist in Psalm 106 recounts the history of Israel’s failures and God's unwavering faithfulness, so too does our journey reflect the same story of hardship, redemption, and restoration.

A Journey of Struggles and Failures

Psalm 106 is a powerful reminder of how Israel repeatedly failed to trust in God’s goodness, forgetting the mighty works He had done and turning to idolatry and sin. The psalm recounts a history of mistakes, rebellion, and the suffering that followed. Yet, it also powerfully emphasizes the enduring love and mercy of God, even when His people did not deserve it.

For many of us, including myself, the road to healing can feel much the same. It’s a road filled with pain, confusion, and moments when we feel as though we’ve fallen short. I have faced deep struggles in my own life—trauma, domestic abuse, homelessness—and there were times when I questioned if I would ever find my way out. Much like Israel, there were moments when I felt lost, unable to see the way forward. But just as the psalmist’s story of God’s faithfulness continues, so does my story of healing and the unwavering love that carries me forward.

God’s Faithfulness Despite Our Failures

In Psalm 106, despite the repeated failures of Israel, God’s faithfulness shines through. Even when His people rebelled, His mercy was never far. He delivered them time and time again, not because they deserved it, but because of His steadfast love.

This truth resonates deeply with my own journey. There were times when I felt unworthy of God's love and mercy—especially in the aftermath of the abuse and loss I endured. Yet, in those moments of despair, I found God’s faithfulness waiting for me, offering me grace when I thought I had none left. His love and mercy have been a constant thread throughout my journey. I’ve witnessed it not only in my own healing but also in the lives of others I’ve been able to touch through my work.

Through my podcast, Silent Screams, Loud Strength, and my books, I have found my voice again. The strength I never thought I had has emerged from the depths of my pain, not because I am strong on my own, but because of the unwavering faithfulness of God.

A Prayer for Redemption and Restoration

The psalmist ends Psalm 106 with a heartfelt plea for God to remember His covenant and deliver His people. It’s a cry for redemption, for restoration, and for God to bring healing in the midst of brokenness.

For those of us who have endured trauma, the plea for restoration resonates deeply. I have cried out to God many times, asking for restoration—for my home, my peace, and my sense of self. Just like the Israelites, I have found that God hears my prayers. He sees my brokenness and does not abandon me. The same God who delivered Israel time and time again is the God who is restoring my life, piece by piece.

Through this journey, I have seen first-hand that restoration doesn’t always happen overnight. It’s a process, sometimes slow and filled with challenges. But in this process, God is at work. I am constantly reminded that I am not defined by my past but by the person I am choosing to become.

Gratitude for God’s Unfailing Love

As the psalm concludes, there’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude for God’s mercy. The Israelites, despite their unfaithfulness, are reminded of God’s eternal love and His enduring promises. This gratitude is a thread that runs through my healing journey as well.

When I reflect on my past struggles, I don’t just see pain and loss—I also see the fingerprints of God’s love and faithfulness that have carried me through. His mercy has brought me here, to a place where I can stand and speak my truth, where I can help others find their own strength, and where I can offer healing to those who have experienced similar struggles.

Psalm 106 reminds us that even in our deepest despair, we are not abandoned. God's love is constant, His mercy unyielding, and His promises ever true. And just as God delivered Israel, He is also delivering us—restoring our brokenness and leading us into the future He has prepared.

A Journey of Healing and Hope

Through the pain of my past, I have found hope. Psalm 106 gives me the courage to keep moving forward, to embrace the healing process with faith, and to trust that God will continue to restore what was lost. My story is not defined by my past struggles but by my journey of healing, which is ongoing—just as the psalmist’s story of redemption continues.

If you find yourself in the midst of struggle, whether it’s the aftermath of abuse, loss, or any form of trauma, know this: You are not alone. Just as God was faithful to the Israelites, He is faithful to you. His mercy is endless, and He is always at work, bringing restoration and healing.

As we reflect on Psalm 106, let it be a reminder that God’s love never fails. He is with us in our brokenness, He is with us in our healing, and He is leading us toward a future of restoration. You are not defined by your past—you are defined by who you choose to become, and God is walking beside you every step of the way.

Healing Begins with Remembering

Take time to remember God’s faithfulness in your own life. Let Psalm 106 be a reminder that despite the struggles, God’s love and mercy are waiting to embrace you and carry you toward healing. Just as the Israelites were restored, so too will you be restored. And in the process, you will find the strength to rise, to heal, and to help others do the same