There are times, and we’ve all been through them, when we want to pull away from everyone around us. These times usually come when we are hurting, afraid, or ashamed. We feel no one else will understand what we are going through so we don’t share our pain with others. We believe we are the only one’s going through this pain. When we are ashamed of how our lives are or we are in pain, we hide from others so they can’t see the true us. We isolate ourselves from those who love us.
I’ve been there many times in the past. During some of my lowest or most trying times in my life the last thing I wanted was to share with anyone. When I was in pain I wanted to keep that pain to myself. I thought no one else could possibly understand what I’m going through. And when the pain was physical pain, the last thing I wanted was to seem like I was complaining. So I would grin and bear it thinking I can handle this on my own. I didn’t need anyone else. I’m sure the words I’m writing apply to many of you reading this. You’ve all been there and at some point in your life you’ve hidden your pain from others.
The problem is we were not made to deal with the problems of life on our own. We were made to be there for one another, to give support when it’s needed, and to lift each other up. We will all come upon those times when life hits us with an uppercut and it will knock us down. We may even start doubting our God because our pain and suffering is so bad. This is the time we truly need our friends to lift us up. We need a true support group that will bring us up from the bottom and also remind us of God’s ability to help us with our burdens. Psalms 145:14 (NLT) says, “The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.”
Let’s understand this important point, there is nothing we are going through in life that someone else on this Earth hasn’t already faced. No matter what it is, there are people out there who have dealt with it. Those people may be in your circle of family and friends. The only way you will know is to open up and share what you are going through with those you trust. Once you can do that you will begin to see the love and support you need.
We need people around us to help lift the burdens we have upon us. Even Jesus needed Simon to help carry the physical weight of His cross. Matthew 27:32 (NLT) says, “Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.” We all have Simon’s out there who will come along to help us carry our burdens and lighten our loads. These people will be placed in our lives by God at the right time. We have to be willing to accept their help.
The enemy wants us to do life alone. It’s easier for him to to attack us and get us to believe the lies when we have no one to support us. When you feel tired and alone is when you are vulnerable and he goes to work. At those times you start to believe things like alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. will help you feel better and take the pain away. The sad reality is all they do is bring more pain and isolation to your life.
We are stronger when we are together and supporting each other. So today if you are struggling through life with hidden pain, please let others share your hurt and pain. There are people who love you and want to be there for you. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT) says, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” Trust in the help of others and watch the healing start.
Truth in Love! ~ Chuck