Continuing on the subject of hurt.
The other day Pastor had several boxes on the stage and he said, “Where do you put your hurt”?
Are there boxes in closets where you say, “Lord these are not for you to deal with, they are mine.”
Do you have categories in your box that are OK to show and others that are not?
He said there could be a box for ‘storage’. “Let’s not open that one right now”.
There could be a box for recycling, “I have dealt with this before but it keeps coming around to be dealt with again.” Recycle those jagged places and allow them for good to strengthen you.
Put them down and release them.
Each box could hold and represent a part of your ‘wounded’ heart.
Moving boxes represent someone moving.
That is a good and positive thing.
Moving in the right direction is even better.
We cannot see God as one who is powerless to help us or too powerful as in a tyrant.
Through the lens of our ‘broken ness’ we must see him
as one who cares deeply and desires to help heal us.
Our hurts can be handed off to the one who can heal them permanently.
Our relationships can be released and given permission to teach and grow us.
Showing our hurts to another is the best way to ‘release and remove’
the power of the hurting place inside us.
When it used to be safe and necessary to hide the hurt,
it is no longer the safe way.
That rule inside must be replaced with a positive and more relational one.
Sometimes we think God is too busy or not available or not interested in our hurting hearts.
That is so untrue and so not like him.
{Psalm 5:6-7} Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.
{1st Peter 5:6-7} Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you.
{Isaiah 63:9} In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
{Deuteronomy 31:8} The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
I hope these verses leave you with an encouragement that is so strong
that releasing the hurts is the most ‘natural action you can do right now’.
Release them and allow him to restore you.
It is a new year for a new you ~ today could be the day to begin.
