Daily Devotional

Rica’s early childhood was what many would consider perfect. An only child, she was treated as a princess, and her relatives praised her for everything she did. “I was exposed to material things, and I was content to play video games, go to the malls, and take trips.”

Even though Rica was allowed to be caught up in worldly activities, her mother read the Bible to her every day and encouraged her to pray every night. But Rica felt that being faithful to God was just a waste of time. “As a kid, I didn’t think these things were necessary. I felt that, as a Catholic, I belonged to God’s kingdom, so what did it matter if I was naughty or said bad words as long as I had religion? God would never refuse me.”

When Rica reached fourth grade, however, her world turned upside down. “My family started to fall apart. My nanny who was with me ever since I was born left me, and I was forbidden to ever talk to her again. My friends deceived me, and mean girls at school bullied me and judged me for my physical appearance.”

Because of the pressure in the family, her mother and her new nanny often directed their anger toward her. “They told me to shut up,” Rica recalls, “because I was too ‘talkative’ and they called me immature and dumb. I sank into depression and became suicidal.”

The upheaval in Rica’s life caused her to turn from God. “I would glare at the altar and throw the Bible away,” she says. “Whenever I was invited to churches, I’d sleep the entire time. My extroverted personality became introverted, filled with agony and anger. I became rebellious and developed a tomboy personality from my newfound male friends at school.”

She was also introduced to swearing and impurity. “I became addicted to porn, and my mind was filled with lust. Every day I cut my skin and just cried in front of the mirror, asking God why He had forsaken me. I told God to take my life away and banish me from existence.”

Reflect: Can you think of a time in your life when you felt God had abandoned you? Read the Bible verses below to discover God’s love for you.