The Hurt in the Midst of Pain

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

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 valid. In the midst of hurt there are many 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 to whom they are saying these things. Hurt is both a feeling and a reaction. It is not a response. As shared in previous posts, 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 leads to hurt, and an extension of the pain.

How does this hurt, react, and responding affect 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 therefore 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:

Ephesians 4:32: 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 yourself 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, but do not let this justify negative emotions and actions. Instead 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 time and all times.

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.

Questions:

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

How has my handling of depression and anxiety affected 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.