“He makes my feet like hinds’ feet (able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble; He sets me securely upon my high places.” (Psalm 18:33 AMP)

Events beyond my control left me numb from the inside out and feeling like I was the worst person on earth.

I took it all so personally. I shouldn’t have but I did.

This traumatic event was a trigger revealing that the perception I had of myself (my identity and self-worth) was pretty much reliant on the approval and opinions of my peers.

The fear of man ruled my life.

All kinds of unresolved issues surfaced during this  time.  It was all out on the table and not a pretty sight.

I was desperate to be free of these insecurities and their wounding effect on me emotionally, physically and spiritually.

I was open and surrendered myself to the process of inner emotional healing. Over these past years, wise counsel, God’s word and sound principles brought me to a place of confidence and security within myself and in my relationship with God and those around me.

There were many verses that encouraged me to endure and persevere. I found myself identifying with one in particular:

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make to walk (not to stand still in terror but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble suffering or responsibility). (Habakkuk 3:19 AMP)

It was the picture of a hart, roe (female deer) climbing her mountain. I could see her stretching out as she pushed herself over rocks and obstacles on her path, leaping over streams as she moved onward and upward on her journey to the top of the mountain.

I walked through my day with this picture in my mind.

Hesitantly, I acknowledged my fears and the deep woundings within. I became braver, stronger and more confident with every step I took over the obstacles on my path through my emotional pain.

My courage and faith grew as the Holy Spirit carried me through my leaps of faith towards forgiveness and  healing.

He has secured my footing and made me strong.