There is so much going on these days. When I turn on the TV, log on social media or listen to the radio, I can’t escape it. People are hurting!
I have the privilege of listening and walking with those who are hurting. It’s an humbling responsibility and I am grateful. Emotional pain does not discriminate. I’ve come to an obvious conclusion that hurt has touched us all. It’s rarely welcomed. It’s often a spouse, child, parent, family member or close friend who hurt you the deepest. Sometimes it can be a result of your own mistakes. Failed relationships, rejection, mistrust, disappointment, abuse, and unmet expectations are a few of the many ways in which you can experience emotional pain.
Regardless of the source of your pain, you just want relief. You long for someone to say or do something that will resolve your restless heart. You cry. Lose sleep. Read empty words of self-help books. You long to be comforted. Held. Set free.
You want to hear “I love you” or “I forgive you.” You want someone to say “It’s OK. I’m here and I’m not leaving.” You long for security and acceptance. You crave hope. You crave deliverance. You crave restoration. You crave rescue.
I have had my share of pain. It has turned calm days into raging storms. I, too, have longed for resolve and rest. In all of my tears and heartache, I have learned that my place of security can’t be in people.
Of course God gives you people who love and support you. They comfort and pray for you. However, at some point, they won’t be there. They will not respond to a text or call. They will disappoint you or you will let them down. Your security and hope has to be in the Lord!
As a therapist I know that talking out this kind of pain takes time. Time that untangles the lies of isolation and fear. Time that breaks down lies of the past or present. Time that restores the truth of who you are and how much you are loved. Time that equips. Time that restores.
Relief and restoration comes through the presence and words of someone who loves and cares.
So…Here they are.
I love you.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
I forgive you.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
It’s OK. I’m here and I’m not leaving.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
You are secure. Nothing will come between us.
“No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
I accept you as you are.
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37
I am your hope.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” I Peter 5:10
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
This may all seem very simple. I understand that situations involve many variables that create extreme complexity. This post is not intended to minimize. Nor is it intended to disregard. It is intended to turn towards an all sufficient God who heals your pain. It is undeniable that He is present. He cares. He listens. He answers. He is Love. He is our greatest Hope.
Blessings!
“…and after you have done everything to stand, Stand firm then,…” Ephesians 6:13b