THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 11TH SEPTEMBER 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: The Great Healer
Today’s Reading
2 Corinthians 1:3-10
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The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
In 2011 as the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approached, I accepted my church’s invitation to share my testimony. My husband and I had witnessed the attack from our apartment nearby. We were evacuated and couldn’t go home for weeks following the collapse of the Twin Towers. Worst of all, a dear friend hadn’t made it out of the North Tower. I struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath. But with God’s help, the experience had redirected my life. I believed my testimony could point people to Christ.
Painful memories, mood swings, and changes in behavior can occur around each anniversary of a traumatic event. The closer we got to the anniversary, the more my anxiety overwhelmed me. I cried constantly, slept much longer than usual, and felt I was living in a dark cloud. I managed to give my testimony, but instead of rejoining the congregation for the rest of the service, I raced out the door and sobbed softly for the half-hour subway ride home.
Paul wrote about his trauma, and Christians know the suffering Christ went through on the cross for our sins. As Christians, we recognize that suffering can lead us to the power of the Resurrection. We know the great Healer cares more about our pain than even we do. In times of adversity, we can lean on the promises of Christ.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for holding us close in times of suffering. Comfort us, and give us the assurance of your strength. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God can heal my wounds, lessen my sorrow, and lift me up.
Prayer Focus
People with PTSD
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More from Christina Ray Stanton
The Upper Room Devotional 11th September 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
