“O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?…” Psalm 13:1-2 (NLT)

Did you wake up this morning feeling forgotten? Oh, how I understand that feeling. Just like you, there have been seasons where I have felt so invisible. As my fingers tap away, I am listening to Hunter Hayes’ song, Invisible and remembering some of those times, but also feeling the need to remind us all that seasons do change, “There’s so much more to life than what you’re feeling now. Someday you’ll look back on all these days, and all this pain is gonna be invisible.” During these times are when we can believe we can never live fulfilled.

My friend Danise Jurado wrote a book, Fulfilled, and with each page she speaks gently to our hearts that where we are now is not where we must stay. Quoting Danise, “Betrayal, loss, addiction, hopelessness, abuse, fear, and doubt whisper, ‘Is a fulfilled life even possible? How?’ God has the answers we search for. His wisdom unlocks the mystery and helps us discover the fulfilled life He promised.”

The title of her book caught my eye. I can still search for fulfillment in things and people that will never feed the hunger of my soul. I can forget that Jesus is the one who offers living water and the bread of life.

Danise’s book walks us through 12 short but compelling chapters (the whole book is only 119 pages), with each chapter representing a stage or step to living #Fulfilled. Can we trust her? Many have at The Dream Center in Los Angles, California where she has worked and ministered since 2001. Through her own walk and walking along others she has cultivated these powerful tools to help bring freedom to many.

We begin with “Forgiveness” and work our way down. That’s a good place to start. “Although it’s difficult, with God’s help, we can forgive. Even the offenses we thought we would never let go of of can be forgiven.” I have learned from personal experience that forgiveness is definitely a process and in practical terms it is the willingness – the choice – to not seek revenge, to not remind, not punish…and with all those nots it’s also offers the gift of freedom from the heaviness of resentment. Here’s a beautiful quote of Mark Twain, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Danise gives us “Forgiveness Homework”. Homework that will help us let go bitterness and discover freedom.

Each stop along the way brings us closer to living the abundant life God has for us – Restoration – Truth – Breaking Free – Change – Identity – Confidence – Perseverance – Joy – Hope – Courage – Comfort – Living Fulfilled. Step after step, as we work toward living fulfilled, God walks beside us, equipping us to make the changed needed.

“God’s definition of a full life is so much more substantial than our limited perspectives would allow us to see. Thankfully, we don’t have to try to figure it all out on our own. God is with us, and He teaches us to live the life He promised.” Danise Jurado.

Get to know more about Danise and her ministry here.

Danise Jurado’s Book, Fulfilled – Learning to Live the Life God Promised