Pain of Hurt

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

as God Christ forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32

He knows pain and hurt from His own personal journey to the cross. He knows pain and hurt from the view that He sees in your own hurt and pain. His presence with you means that when you are hurting so is He. You read throughout scripture that He healed many people in His day from pain and hurt. These things are true. And it is still true today that He can be part of the healing process. He is the healing process. And yes, that still means that sometimes the pain and hurt do not go away. But... it is critical to remember that pain and hurt are some of the darkest emotions to react to.

People who hurt others because they are hurting is the most dangerous kind of hurt.

(In My Personal and Clinical Opinion).

You see this in many areas of life. You see this in how people treat each other when they are going through a divorce, through a breakup, a loss of a job, a Pandemic. Hurt is one of those emotions that is dangerous because it is also so valid. In the midst of hurt there are more emotions that may cloud the judgement of others. The person hurting for money, may steal without thinking of the hurt it causes the person they are stealing from. The person hurting for food, may steal without thinking of the hurt it causes the person they are stealing from. The person hurting from heartbreak, may say hurtful things to a person without thinking of the hurt it causes the person they are saying these things. Hurt is both a feeling and a reaction. It is not a response. There is a huge difference between response and react. Responding is something that is done with forethought. React is something that is done without forethought and often times leads to hurt, and an extension of pain. This may be where the thought "misery loves company" comes from.

How does this hurt, react, and responding effect mental health? It affects its greatly. It spreads this dangerous action through a relationship, a family, a community, and so forth. And many justify it by agreeing that they are hurting and so it is okay. But it is not. And it is important to address it before it becomes the next pandemic. The Bible teaches you to not hurt others because of your own hurt. Depression and anxiety may be inevitable at times. But depression and anxiety can also be experienced with a plan for hope and overcoming. It is great to see many people taking the time to do the "YESSS" management of depression and anxiety (phYsical activity, Engaged purpose, Support system, Sunlight, and Sleep). This is something that can be incorporated in any difficult season of your life. It is something that should be used as a way of coping and self-care.

In Ephesians 4:32 we read: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God Christ forgave you.

Matthew 5:22: But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council...

Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

John 16:33: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

There are many many more verses that address the actions between ourselves and others. Take this time to reflect on your own actions. Take this time to reflect on how you are feeling and how it may affect others. Depression and anxiety already feel lonely, isolating, negative, and worrisome; do not let this justify negative emotions and actions. Rather reach out however you can to find comfort where comfort is lost.

He is for me. He is for you. He is for us. In this seaon and all seasons.

He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Scripture:

Reflect on the scriptures above. Taking to heart how He wants you to respond in a time of pain, in a time of panic, in a time of hurt.

Reflection:

Reflection time. Use this time to pray. Ask yourself, your family, your spouse, your children, your friends the question:

How has my handling of this situation effected me, us?

Prayer:

Lord I come to You in a season in this world where pain, hurt, and panic would be valid because of the unknown. And yet I come to You because You are known. Through spending time with You we are able to connect with You in a way that brings us closer to peace and closer to hope. Lord I pray for those who are hurting. I pray for those who are panicking, and I pray for those who are experiencing an increase in depression and anxiety. This season is uncertain but I know that You are for us and that You have walked before us. I know that You are near. Lord, I ask that You bring comfort to all who are hurting. I ask that You bring healing to those who are in need. I thank You for this time to reflect on You, Your son, and the spirit. I am grateful for this time to share more about You with others and to share Your light. Lord I pray that moments of hurt become less and that hope can be restored in its place. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you for being the certainty in an uncertain time. I pray this in Your son's name, Amen.