We Hurt

by Donnie O’Fallon
Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.  Job 14:1

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me that you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

The Bible and our Lord are both quite clear in saying, "we all have hurts!" David was totally transparent with God by letting Him know how and what he was feeling. As you read Psalms, you begin to see it is a book of praise but it is also a book of pain. If I asked if you have ever experienced pain, most of you would say, “Yes I have hurt at different times and different ways.” These hurts are a reminder of our mortality and the fact that we live in a fallen world.

We Hurt Emotionally

Emotional hurt is a deeper, more lasting type of hurt. We can cope with physical hurt as long as we're doing okay emotionally. With optimism and a positive outlook, you can get through the physical pains. The deepest kind of hurt is a hurt to the heart; feelings of grief, worry, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, or rejection. These are the kinds of hurt that cause you to have sleepless nights and gives you a knot in the pit of your stomach. You can't go to the drug store and get a pill for that or rub BENGAY on it to soothe the hurt. These are the deepest and hardest hurts to heal.

We hurt Relationally

There may have been a breach in a close relationship that you have experienced. There was a betrayal, you were lied about, your name was slandered, your reputation was brought into question, or you were abused and mistreated. A boss, a neighbor, a spouse, a child, a friend, or someone who you are close to has inflicted the hurt.  Whatever your hurt may be, God has a word for you today! Psalm 34:18 tells us The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a contrite spirit.  Based on that verse you'll never get any closer to God than when you have a broken heart.

Our Responses to Life's Hurts

We can just try to ignore life’s hurts like the Clint Eastwood macho, tough guy approach, but I have yet to see that work at all. David tried that. You can read about his experience in Psalm 39:1-2. He tried to ignore it but it just got worse! You cannot just pretend that a serious physical health problem, a wayward child or a financial calamity that's devastated your family does not exist. Putting it off or pretending it doesn’t exist only makes it worse. Procrastination leads to a greater problem. What you don't know, won’t hurt you. What you do know, but refuse to acknowledge, will hurt you worse.

We can attempt to run from life’s hurts. Some people run to pills, some run to the bottle, others run to illicit relationships. Some wear the mask of work, some the mask of church, or the masks of home. Outwardly all seems ok but inwardly they are still hurting. Being able to reveal our feelings is the beginning of the healing process.

The Remedy to Life's Hurts
You must tell Jesus! In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. He may not snap His fingers and make your hurt disappear. But He will be your strength. He'll provide you grace to endure. He will teach you and be your companion through it all.  He truly desires to bind up the broken hearted. Will you let Him have your life's hurt?
Scripture to Claim:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43:2