Tools and Guides

The “God sees me” Journal

The God Sees Me journal helps trauma survivors heal by encouraging honest reflection, prayer, and connection with God’s comforting presence through a simple daily exercise.

2025

Trauma Recovery

From the Strengthen magazine issue:

Standing Strong through Persecution

Finding encouragement, faith and hope in the face of suffering and persecution

Have you, or someone you care for, gone through a very painful experience? When people go through trauma, especially because of violence or persecution, their hearts can feel broken, confused, and even far from God. In this situation, people may feel helpless and abandoned.

This little exercise (the God Sees Me journal) is not going to fix everything, but it may help bring some light and encouragement into your life. It is simply a place to be honest, express pain, and slowly remember that God still sees you and cares for you—even when it doesn’t feel like it. It is based on Christian counseling and the truth of the Bible.

You don’t need to write a lot. You don’t need perfect words. All you need is a few minutes each day to sit with God and be yourself.

Why Use This Journal?

To help your heart begin to heal little by little
To speak honestly with God in a safe way
To remember that you are never forgotten by Him

Sometimes, it’s hard to pray or read the Bible after trauma. This journal gives space to feel, to cry, and even to say “I don’t understand”—and still know that God is near.

“You have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.”

Psalm 31:7

How to Use the Journal

You will need:

A quiet place
A notebook or journal
A pen or pencil
15 minutes free from distractions

Step 1 – Sit in Silence for 1 Minute

Take a deep breath. Let your shoulders relax. Whisper quietly:

“God, I believe You see me. Help me today.”

Step 2 – Write or Draw Freely

Choose one prompt to help you begin:

“Today I feel…”
“God, where were You when…”
“I miss…”
“Thank You for…”
“Please help me with…”

You can write a sentence or just one word. You can even draw something. There is no wrong way to do this.

Step 3 – Read One Bible Verse

You may choose one of these verses:

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
Isaiah 49:15 – “I will not forget you.”
Romans 8:38–39 – “Nothing can separate us from God’s love.”
Let the words speak to your heart. You can write them down if it helps.

Step 4 – Pray a Short Prayer

You can pray something like this:

“Dear God, I don’t understand everything. But I believe You see me. Please stay close to me. Amen.”

Healing takes time

Healing from trauma takes time. It’s okay to move slowly. It’s okay to feel weak. This journal is not about performance—it’s about presence. Your presence with God. His presence with you.

Even on days when there are no words, just opening this journal is a step of faith.

And remember:

You are not alone. God sees you. He holds your tears. As you keep practicing with this simple journal, you or the person you’re caring for will feel the gentle love of God again.

Bible verses to meditate on

Here are more bible verses to encourage you:

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Psalm 91:1-2 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

Jesus Knows the Storm From the Inside

Christian faith does not claim that God watches suffering from a distance. In Jesus, God enters betrayal, injustice, pain, and abandonment. This means that those who suffer are not misunderstood by God. Christ has walked the storm from the inside and remains present with all who endure it.

You Are Not Forgotten

When suffering feels overwhelming and God seems distant, Scripture reminds us that He is near to the brokenhearted. Even in the storm, you are seen, known, and not forgotten.

When the Church Goes Underground

When churches are forced out of public view, faith does not disappear. From the earliest Christians to believers today, going underground has been a faithful and wise way to preserve community, protect one another, and continue following Christ when visibility brings danger.